Flood Protection & Creek Restoration Program
The flooding that occurred in the Ross Valley Watershed on New Year’s eve spurred a strong commitment by the County and all of the cities and communities in the watershed to work together to confront and solve the conditions that led to flooding. Experts have already developed some immediate flood protection actions that can be completed before the next rainy season, which include:
Flood Warning Systems & Emergency Response
View the Technical Working Group Updates to see what progress has been made to date on the following 5 actions.
1. Flood Preparation and Response Plan “Cards”
2. Alternative routes for safe flood evacuation
3. Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS)
4. Upgraded flood creek gauges and Town sirens
5. Real-time flood information on website
Flood Insurance Program
6. Extensive National Flood Insurance Program (View Links)
7. Adopt the CRS framework for planning process
Flood Damage Reduction
8. Identify creek system “choke points” and model combinations of
flood control project elements
9. Channel debris maintenance before the wet season, with existing $$
resources
10. New flood high-water mark map
11. Flood proofing designs and tips on website
12. Improved sandbagging program
13. Bank stabilization designs and permitting requirements on website
The project team is also developing long-term solutions based on three key components that will provide sustainable flood protection that responds to the concerns of Ross Valley residents:
- This is a total watershed program. The County is now looking at the entire watershed, developing solutions that take into account natural rivers, the environment and wildlife habitat. The program includes flood control and flood damage reduction, in conjunction with creek restoration to enhance riparian and fish habitat.
- All Ross Valley Cities are working together. Mayors and City staffs are working with the County and local community and environmental organizations to develop the best solutions in each area.
- The community is leading the way. Through community meetings and the program website, the County is working directly with the community to present potential solutions and hear feedback.
Solutions Framework
The County structured this Program based on recommendations of the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) Framework. The CRS framework is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community flood management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. The Ross Valley Watershed Solutions Framework (.pdf, 160k) structures immediate, mid-term and long-term projects to achieve flood protection and creek restoration goals, as well as up to 45% reduction in flood insurance rates - creating significant financial savings for our community. Communities across the country receive up to 45% reductions for NFIP flood insurance rates, including the City and County of Napa, Colorado Springs and Kings County, Washington.
The CRS Framework will guide us through:
- Flood preparedness, including warning systems
- Flood damage prevention and reduction
- Mapping and land use regulation, including open space preservation
- Public information
Management Solutions Framework
Friends of Corte Modera Creek has developed a Management Solutions Framework, providing a preliminary analysis of recent flooding.
Download the Management Solutions Framework (.pdf, 700k)
The Community Involvement Process
Through 2006 and early 2007, the County will host a series of Technical Working Group, Financial Working Group, and Community Meetings to determine flood protection projects, propose creek restoration strategies and funding sources for their implementation.
Based on information garnered in working group and community meetings, the County will address flood protection, fish passage, creek restoration, and river parkway projects throughout the Ross Valley Watershed. The County will hold a final community workshop for public review of this plan to ensure public support. This report is to be completed by March 31, 2007.
