Looking downstream toward Santa Paula of flood control channel just upstream of fish ladder

In the award citation, the project was described as designed to protect a two-mile reach of residential and commercial property, highways and railways in the Santa Paula, Calif., area.  “Deepening and widening the channel enabled designers to meet the goals of flood prevention and increased water capacity and still meet commercial, wildlife and public needs,” the 2003 citation read.

Close-up of damaged portion of fish ladder

The project was completed in April 2002 but hasn’t been turned over to the sponsor, Ventura County, because the channel and the innovative fish ladder were damaged during several storms between the winter of 2002-03 and 2004-05. 

Looking downstream toward Santa Paula of flood control channel just downstream of fish ladder

Cleanout work was completed by a Corps contractor in March 2005 for a total cost of $162,000, and the channel was restored to a limited capacity (five-year flood protection) downstream of Highway 126; the fish ladder was working.

Close up of damaged portion of fish ladder

A letter was sent to Ventura County officials Feb. 16, 2006.  However, the sponsor refused to accept the project because county officials thought that would slow down the process of obtaining federal funding to clean out the channel and repair the fish ladder.

Meanwhile, after the Day Fire—fifth-largest in California history—ravaged parts of Ventura County, the District is exploring funding options and preparing an Emergency Action Plan to clear the Santa Paula Creek Channel should a rainstorm threaten the area.

With the leadership of congressional appropriations committees now in the hands of a new party, it remains unclear when or whether the funds necessary to sustain and complete the project would become available.