Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk Management Project history

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led project

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published a Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk Management Project in 2018.

Based on the public comments on the Draft EIS/EIR, we recognized that more analysis of the project alternatives would be necessary. This would ensure that public and agency comments were adequately addressed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

The additional environmental compliance work fell outside of the congressionally-approved budget and schedule. The District Board of Supervisors decided to terminate the agreement with the USACE as of December 31, 2019, and transition the project to a locally-managed project.

Read the March 2019 Advisory Board staff report for more information and background on the transition.

Locally-managed, District-led project

The Project is now formally transitioned from a USACE-led planning process to a locally-managed, District-led project.

Since project planning shifted to local District leadership and management, it's been substantially redesigned to reduce the scope of activities and address many of the concerns raised by the public. The redefined project is reflective of local community priorities and focused on integrating multiple benefits including:

  • Flood risk mitigation
  • Ecosystem restoration
  • Improved fish passage
  • Recreational enhancements

The current project has been designed in coordination with two stakeholders:

  • Town of Ross
  • Friends of Corte Madera Creek Watershed

The current project does not include a bypass pipeline and the associated closure of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. This was previously a major issue of community concern due to traffic and nighttime construction noise impacts. The project also does not include modifications to the pedestrian bridge at Stadium Way.

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