Construction and Restoration to Begin on Corte Madera Creek Channel

For Immediate Release –

Ross Valley, CA –

Flood Control District recommends contract to start concrete removal and restoration of wetlands

The next construction effort for an important flood control project is expected to get underway later this summer in Kentfield, pending contract approval.

Following a successful contractor bidding process, the second of three components of construction for the Corte Madera Creek Flood Risk Management Phase 1 Project (Project) is expected to move forward with construction this September. The Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District is recommending that the District’s Board of Supervisors award the $2.97 million construction contract at the public Board meeting on Tuesday, June 24.

The overall project is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding and to protect human life and property in the communities of Ross and Kentfield by addressing features of the current state of Corte Madera Creek, including:

• Removing portions of the existing concrete channel to allow for wetland restoration and sea level rise adaptation
• A new stormwater pump station
• A maintenance access ramp for vehicles
• Larger and improved fish resting pools within the concrete channel
• Removal of the existing wooden fish ladder structure at the upstream end of the concrete channel and better transition to the upstream natural channel
• Grading and widening of the upstream natural channel to increase creek flow capacity
• Creek bank stabilization and revegetation efforts
• Raising the height of several sections of existing concrete channel walls to improve creek flow capacity during storms

Once all three separate components are constructed, the channel improvements would reduce flood risks associated with more frequent rain events. Construction of all three components of the project are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The construction work of this project component focuses on the southern section of the creek behind the College of Marin campus in Kentfield, removing sections of the concrete channel walls downstream of the Stadium Way pedestrian bridge that were installed in the 1960s and ‘70s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Removing concrete channel walls and restoring the adjacent wetlands will increase creek flow capacity and improve wildlife habitat while enhancing the channel’s ability to adapt to sea level rise.

The creek channel improvements will also create an improved seating area along Corte Madera pathway just south of Stadium Way. New benches, trash receptacles, a dog waste bag dispenser, and enhanced landscaping will provide a better space for visitors to rest while viewing the creek.

Due to environmental permitting regulations, the allowable time period for construction work in the creek is limited to September and October. To remain within that timeframe, the planned construction activities are expected to begin September 1. Work will take place weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM, and Saturdays from 8 AM to 6 PM. The contractor will strive to minimize disturbances to nearby residents.

The County has qualified for reimbursement of the $2.97 million restoration component, with funding coming from several grants:

• California Coastal Conservancy for $1.66 million
• American Rescue Plan Act for $750,000
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program for $555,000

A National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant of approximately $156,000 for native plantings will fund the revegetation effort after construction work is completed this fall.

Several key partnerships were essential in bringing this portion of the project to this phase of work. Collaborations with Friends of Corte Madera Creek, College of Marin, Marin County Parks, and County Service Area 17 have enabled the design to be completed and secured the necessary construction funding to move forward with implementation.