Construction of new setback levees along Corralitos Creek begins
WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and multiple other agencies broke ground on new setback levees being built along Corralitos Creek.
The USACE and Pajaro River Flood Risk Management Agency refers to the construction area as "Reach 6" and is located along the creek between Holohan Boulevard and Freedom Boulevard.
Some of the people living nearby say construction on any portions of the levee system surrounding Watsonville and Pajaro are long overdue.
"I'm just thrilled that after 50 years of asking and asking and asking to have this corrected," said Kirby Harris who lives in Watsonville
The destruction of the levee wreaked havoc on vulnerable communities during the winter storms last year.
State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas says safety, stability, and opportunity were major setbacks for people when the levee was breached.
"Nearly 10% of the student population has not returned to school. And that's a problem. And that's why investing in our most disadvantaged communities is so critical," said Rivas.
Dozens attended the ceremony Wednesday morning. Many of them remembered how devastating the flood was to their community
"It was just as devastating for all the farmers. They had lost all kinds of money," said Rose Kajisa who lives in Watsonville.
Congressman Jimmy Panetta says that the levee is expected to be completed in the next two years.
"It's more than just moving dirt. It's reinforcing these levees, the levee system. So right now, I think you're looking at a year at a minimum, possibly two years. So through 2025 is when they'll be working on it," said Panetta.
The blueprint below outlines all the reaches, or sections the Army Corps of Engineers plans to follow over the next two years. With Reach 6 being the first section, the Army Corps of Engineers says it includes the construction of new setback levees and two terrace excavation sites.
Benefits of the project include flood risk reduction, ecological enhancements, and groundwater recharge.
Although it was 20 degrees above normal temperatures in Watsonville during the ceremony, atmospheric rivers that helped cause the levee breach may be in the forecast this winter.
"I have the utmost confidence in the army corps of engineers to take that into account in their timeline, in their productivity, to get this project done," said Panetta.
KION asked officials representing parts of the Central Coast if people should feel safe if we see similar rainfall from when the levees breached.
"I think that they have every right to be concerned and worried. Should a situation, a disaster occur once again? We will be here, boots on the ground to support this very special place once again," said Rivas.
The Pajaro Levee construction project has a price tag of $599 million.
