Pajaro River Flood Risk Management (FRM)

The Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project is a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at safeguarding the City of Watsonville, the Town of Pajaro, and the surrounding agricultural lands from the devastating effects of flooding. Situated within the lower Pajaro River watershed on California’s central coast, the project area spans approximately 10,000 acres, encompassing key urban centers and vast agricultural fields producing high-value crops like strawberries, raspberries, and lettuce.

For decades, the Pajaro River Watershed has been plagued by recurring floods, resulting in significant damage to urban and agricultural areas alike. In response to this persistent threat, the Pajaro River Flood Risk Reduction Project has been developed to provide robust, long-term flood protection for the region. The project focuses on Reaches 2 through 6, with Reach 6 being fast-tracked to begin construction in the fall of 2024 due to the urgency underscored by the recent levee breach in March 2023.

The project has garnered significant attention from local residents, government agencies, and the media, highlighting the importance of timely and effective action. The District is committed to meeting this demand by expediting the design and construction process while adhering to stringent environmental and safety standards. This includes minimizing disruption to existing vegetation, ensuring an intact flood protection system during the wet season, and following USACE levee fill material standards.

To maximize the project’s effectiveness, the Value Study innovated solutions such as installing seepage barriers, reusing levee materials, and creating a stream restoration project are being explored to enhance flood protection while promoting environmental sustainability.