The Pajaro Levee Project one of four statewide projects at risk of losing funds
PAJARO, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Local members of congress fighting back against potential significant federal budget cuts that may put the Pajaro Levee Project at risk.
Some community members coming speaking out about a lack of support after the President's budget request for 2026 only included $1.56 billion for construction of certain projects — a 53% drop from the 2024 budget.
"It's sad for those of us who suffered through the floods," said Hector Llamas, owner of El Pajaro Food Center.
The levee along the Pajaro River collapsed back in March 2023, causing great destruction throughout the community.
Now, after two years, the promise of a levee that would protect the community for the next 100 years remains, although a recent announcement jeopardizes vital flood prevention projects in the state -- the Pajaro Levee Project is one in four possibly effected.
Llamas says that after the flood, he was told he could begin repair, but their portion of the project was placed last on the list.
The U.S. House of Representatives say that more needs to be done to ensure that these projects can move forward without the risk of loosing more funds.
The estimated cost of the repair along the Pajaro River is nearly $600 million.
The levee is being planned for construction happening in three phases starting in Corralitos, Salsipuedes and then Pajaro.
Yet, with the final stretch of construction starting soon, funding may be scarce...
"I think it's unfair, and I think that if we have a flood, what's going to happen?" Said Louis Luna, who lives in Pajaro. "Who's going come to normal workers? The better budget's being cut in half? That's too much money."
Llamas adds that the community feels forgotten.
The costs to ensure the levee does not flood again, is split with 65% covered by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the remaining 35% covered by the state's Department of Water resources.
Congress member Zoe Lofgren responded to the recent announcement. Saying:
"The Pajaro community has suffered significant damage and loss of life due to flooding for decades. The Pajaro River Project is vital to the safety and livelihood of the area, and I will continue to fight to ensure it receives funding through to completion."
