Every year, Valley Water updates its plan for funding the agency’s critical infrastructure projects required to meet the needs of Santa Clara County.
The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Five-Year Plan is a comprehensive document that provides a roadmap for funding the planning, design and construction of water-related infrastructure. To learn more about the CIP, please read our recent blog.
Currently, Valley Water is preparing the CIP Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Preliminary Five-Year Plan, which includes 66 projects to help Valley Water meet its mission to provide Silicon Valley with safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment, and economy. Projects within the CIP are categorized into five types of improvements: water supply, flood protection, water resources stewardship, buildings and grounds, and information technology.
We’re dedicated to ensuring Santa Clara County’s environment remains healthy. This is why we continue to invest in stewardship projects to promote the reduction of pollutants in streams, support additional trails, parks, and open spaces, reduce greenhouse gases, and water quality awareness.
Here’s a look at some of the water resources stewardship projects included in the CIP:
Calabazas/San Tomas Creek Marsh Connection ($15.5M)
The Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project seeks to enhance creek-marsh connections and tidal flows while creating 1,800 acres of tidal marsh. This restored tidal habitat is anticipated to mitigate some of the impacts of rising sea levels, offering enhanced flood protection. Situated at the southern edge of the San Francisco Bay and the northern shoreline of Santa Clara County, the project will benefit the cities of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose, notably in Alviso.
Bolsa Road Fish Passage Improvements ($9.1M)
The Bolsa Road Fish Passage Improvement removes passage obstruction for migrating fish. Removing the obstruction will allow access to approximately 22 miles of high-quality upstream habitat in the Uvas Watershed. The updated stream design will also restore bank stability and improve stream flow.
Upcoming meetings
Valley Water staff will hold a series of meetings and presentations to the Board of Directors during the annual CIP process. On Jan. 9, 2024, a Board work-study session was held to review and approve the recommended CIP Preliminary Five-Year Plan and Preliminary Groundwater Production Charges to ensure they align with Board priorities. On Feb. 27, 2024, Valley Water staff will present the draft CIP Five-Year Plan to the Board of Directors for review and approval to distribute to all cities and land use authorities in Santa Clara County and the County of Santa Clara for review. Once approved, Valley Water will release the draft for a 60-day public review period. In addition, Valley Water typically schedules a public hearing during a Board meeting in April and will share details once the date is finalized.