Supervisor Long Acts to Repair Santa Paula Creek Storm Damage
February 02, 2005
Santa Paula News
In a meeting called by Supervisor Kathy Long, January 27th, attended by representatives from Congressman Elton Gallegly’s office, the cities of Santa Paula and Fillmore, the Army Corp of Engineers, the State Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the County of Ventura Watershed Management District, agreement was reached to act expeditiously under emergency authority to permit clean out of channels, creeks and debris basins.
In a meeting called by Supervisor Kathy Long, January 27th, attended by representatives from Congressman Elton Gallegly’s office, the cities of Santa Paula and Fillmore, the Army Corp of Engineers, the State Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and the County of Ventura Watershed Management District, agreement was reached to act expeditiously under emergency authority to permit clean out of channels, creeks and debris basins.“I specifically requested permission from the regulatory agencies to create a “pilot channel” in Santa Paula Creek, above the damaged Fish Ladder to below Bridge Road. The Santa Paula Creek bank erosion is severe and threatens additional loss to property, to Mupu School, and potentially the city proper. We must act now to protect further threat to property from future storms” said Supervisor Long. The pilot channeling will push the debris back to the banks, providing protection from further erosion. Supervisor Long initiated two years ago a $4.7 million dollar “Habitat Restoration Project” for Santa Paula Creek with the Army Corp of Engineers. That project will still go forward following the channeling restoration, and will offer greater protection based on the groin designs for the habitat and the slope protections.
The formal emergency request with designs and cost estimates will be submitted to the regulatory agencies by January 31st. It is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. “I am committed to keeping the pressure on to use common sense, commit the funding, and get the job done. I appreciate the cooperation of our state and federal agencies, along with Congressman Gallegly’s support,” stated Supervisor Long. For further information contact either Jeff Pratt at Watershed Protection District or Supervisor Longs office.