Lower Watsonville Slough Ecosystem Restoration Project (Pajaro Storm Drain Maintenance District, County of Santa Cruz)

The Pajaro Storm Drain Maintenance District (PSDMD) is acting as the local sponsor for a United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Feasibility Analysis and Initial Project Design to reduce flood risk under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) Section 1135 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986. 

The project focuses on improving ecosystem function and hydraulic connectivity within the Pajaro Lagoon and surrounding wetlands while maintaining consistency with the original purpose of the Pajaro Flood Control Project. The feasibility study is ongoing, with extensive hydrologic and hydraulic modeling informing the design of alternatives that enhance tidal marsh and slough habitat, reduce mechanical breaching of infrastructure, and provide climate adaptation, flood risk reduction, and recreational benefits for economically disadvantaged residents. PSDMD is using NOAA Climate Resilience Grant funding as local match to facilitate implementation, secure permits, finalize real estate agreements, coordinate utility relocation, and conduct supplemental environmental monitoring.