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U.S. EPA awards close to $8 million to protect and restore San Francisco Bay and its watersheds
09/04/2019
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded almost $8 million in grants to protect and restore wetlands and streams in the San Francisco Bay Area. EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Mike Stoker made the announcement today at an event to celebrate the funding for the Three Creeks Parkway Restoration project in Brentwood, California. “EPA is honored to be a part of the investments being made by our San Francisco Bay partners to revitalize and restore local watersheds,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Mike Stoker. “Supporting these aquatic resources can improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, flood protection, and recreational opportunities.” Regional Administrator Stoker was joined at the event by American Rivers, Contra Costa County Public Works, City of Brentwood officials and County Supervisor Diane Burgis’ office. American Rivers received $1,376,623 for its Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project in the Marsh Creek Watershed. The funding will help restore 12.5 acres of floodplain and 4,000 feet of creek in east Contra Costa County that have been degrading due to rapid urbanization. “With our fantastic partnership with American Rivers, and the assistance of EPA and other grants, we are able to expand our single purpose flood risk mitigation project into a multi-benefit project enhancing the habitat for local wildlife, creating a healthier environment, and providing recreational access for Brentwood residents,” said Chief Engineer for the Contra Costa County Flood Control & Conservation District Brian Balbas. “This project will be a great example of how a healthy stream can provide so much value to our communities, from flood protection to salmon and wildlife habitat, to recreation opportunities,” said California Director for American Rivers Steve Rothert. “We are grateful to the EPA and our partners for seeing the potential in Marsh Creek. This is the type of multi-benefit project that we need to replicate across the region.” The following organizations also received EPA grants for projects that benefit San Francisco Bay and its watersheds:
San Francisco Estuary Partnership – Transforming Shorelines Project, $1,481,109
City of San Pablo – San Francisco Bay Stormwater Trading Pilot, $680,000
East Bay Regional Park District – Alder Creek Restoration in San Leandro Creek Watershed, $1,509,268
County of Napa – Oakville to Oak Knoll Reach Restoration, $740,000
Oro Loma Sanitary District – Microvi Nutrient Sidestream Treatment, $1,000,000
County of San Mateo – San Mateo Regional Stormwater Project, $500,000
County of Marin – Marin County Trash Control Infrastructure Project, $685,000 Back To News |
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