Martinez News-Gazette - ‘Transformation’ planned for marshland south of bridge

Thanks to the efforts of Congressman Mike Thompson, management of a four-mile stretch of a 22-mile flood control project along I-680 will be transferred from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to the Contra Costa Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Removing the bureaucratic hurdles set forth by the Corps' control will let local experts directly perform habitat restoration and flood control. Next up, a community-based planning process will begin to bring a broad local vision into the mix.

"Because of bureaucratic barriers in place due to Army Corps regulations, our local partners cannot complete the necessary work to prevent localized flooding, restore habitat, and maintain channel depth," said Thompson. "By removing this four-mile segment from the Army Corps' control, our local partners at the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District can get this necessary work done in a timely manner."

Driving along I-680 south of the Benicia Bridge, one can see marshland to the east that will soon be transformed into a healthy, sustainable habitat for rare and endangered plants and animals along the Lower Walnut Creek Watershed, according to Thompson. Improved public access and a possible extension of the popular Iron Horse Trail are also part of the vision for the future of that area.

The Walnut Creek Project is a 22-mile flood control project that was previously authorized by Congress in 1960. During a recent evaluation of the project, the U.S. Army Corps determined that the entire 22-mile project does not meet their standards because four miles of the project, near the mouth of the creek, were of concern.

To bring the entire 22-mile project up to standard, work would need to be done on the four miles identified by the Corps' evaluation. However, this work on a very limited segment of the project would likely be significantly delayed due to numerous Corps requirements to consult with various federal agencies.

By removing the four-mile portion that is of concern to the Corps, Thompson's provision will leave the status of the remaining 18 miles of the Walnut Creek Project unchanged, while allowing for more efficient management of the lower four miles.