Federal, state and local leaders joined together on August 28 to break ground on the first phase of construction of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project.
“ When completed, this project will provide flood protection for residents, businesses and farming areas of southern Santa Clara County ,” said Norma Camacho, Chief Executive Officer of Valley Water .
Funds for this multi-year $180 million project derive from voter approved Measure B, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program, as well as other state and federal sources.
Extending 13 miles from Buena Vista Avenue in Gilroy to just beyond Llagas Road within the City of Morgan Hill, the project protects hundreds of properties susceptible to flooding during storm events.
The multi-benefit project includes channel modifications, replacement of road crossings, and habitat enhancement providing flood protection to more than 1,100 homes, 500 businesses and 1,300 acres of agricultural land.