The SF Bay Restoration Authority (SFBRA) Governing Board approved funding for:
- Design
- Preparation of construction plans and specifications
- Permitting for the first phase
Following a solicitation for proposals, competitive selection, and negotiation, the cost for the proposed scope exceeded available budget. We worked with SFBRA to modify scale back the design for the Deer Island Basin restoration element to a preliminary design level.
Restoration of the two ponds would effectively widen Novato Creek and increase the floodplain in that location. The cost for this reduced scope still exceeds the $630,000 grant by $108,540. The remaining cost must come from Flood Control Zone 1 funds.
On January 28, 2020, the District awarded the contract to ESA and we have been working closely with them on the project design. ESA has conducted:
- Biological surveys
- Aquatic habitat report
- Public access assessment
These are drafts and should be available soon.
We have been working with ESA engineers and modelers on an improved HEC-RAS model based on the Stetson model of the lower watershed and on preliminary design for the restoration alternatives. Our goal is to keep improving the Novato watershed RAS model for current and future projects.
For more information, visit the Deer Island Basin Tidal Wetlands Restoration Project page.