Wine Country Times

The Napa River Flood Project can now be completed thanks to the recent receipt of $48.3 million in funding from the Army Corps of Engineering Fiscal Year 2021 Work Plan.

The announcement was made by Rep. Mike Thompson (D-05) and Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board of Directors Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht and Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley, according to a press release from Thompson's office. This comes after months of conversations with the committees of jurisdiction on the part of Thompson.  Thompson also wrote a letter to the Army Corp. urging the funding last year.  

“Completing the Napa River Flood Project is a critical part of ensuring the economic success of our community and our district,” said Thompson in his press release. “It will boost local jobs and make our district more resilient to future disasters. That’s why today I am proud to announce that the Napa River Flood Project has been awarded $48.3 million in Federal funding through the Army Corps of Engineering to complete the project. I want to thank past Chairs former Mayor Jill Techel and Supervisor Bill Dodd for their work. This is a vital piece in our progress, and I look forward to celebrating the final product in the months to come.”

The project, which is already 70% completed, will provide 100 years of flood protection and create 900 acres of tidal wetlands, according to Thompson’s letter.  Local stakeholders will partner with the county to complete the flood-proofing.

“This funding is timely as we grapple with the effects of extreme weather events in the face of our changing climate,” Wagenknecht said in the press release. “It will bolster our remaining Measure A funding and allow for the protection of an additional 2,000 homes and businesses from flooding. On behalf of Napa County, I would like to extend my appreciation to Congressman Thompson for his work on this critical project.”

Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley offered thanks to the congressman for his decade of support for the project. 

“This funding, completing our flood project, will not only provide safety for existing homes and businesses, the Flood Project’s work along the river will also allow for much needed housing and other compatible uses in the flood plain,” Sedgley said in the press release. “This final phase or our Project also creates livable wage jobs and keeps our local suppliers busy.”

In addition to this funding, the congressman sought in his letter to the Army Corp. $3.5 million in maintenance funding to dredge the river. After winter storms in 2017 caused landslides, the river became unnavigable due to the formation of shoals, stopping commercial activity, according to his letter.