In early 2023, areas throughout California experienced significant flooding as a result of intense rainfall—impacting public safety, infrastructure, and property across the entire state. However, thanks to the Napa Flood Project, the Napa community was protected from overflow in the Napa Creek banks and flooding threats from the Napa River. The project, which began construction in July 2000, has created new environmental protections in Napa’s most vulnerable areas to protect the health and safety of the community, as well as safeguard residents’ properties and improve the City’s overall well-being.
"The Napa Flood Project has been a critical investment for our community," said Napa Mayor, Scott Sedgley. "Thanks to this project, we have been able to protect our residents and businesses from devastating flooding, while also improving the health of the Napa River and creating new amenities for our community. We are grateful to the voters, Congressman Mike Thompson, and everyone who has supported this project over the years."
In addition to removing the flood threat to thousands of properties throughout Napa, the project has resulted in new parks and trails, new bridges, and the restoration of the health of the Napa River. Part of the project’s work included reestablishing flood plain areas and wetlands along the river and cleaning up toxic chemicals that were leaching into the river.
"The Napa Flood Project has been a long-term commitment for the City of Napa, and we are proud of the positive impact it has had on our community," said Napa City Manager, Steve Potter. "We recognize the importance of continued investment in the project to ensure our community remains safe and resilient in the face of future flooding events."
The Napa Flood Project was made possible by Measure A, which was approved by local voters 25 years ago—increasing sales tax by ½ cent to raise money for the local funding share to build the flood project. The tax measure generated over $160M for the project over 20 years, and the local funding was matched by state and federal funding.
Congressman Mike Thompson has also played a crucial role in securing federal investments in the Flood Project, with his leadership resulting in federal investments that have turned the community’s plan into reality.
While the community has already benefited from the project outcomes, the work is not done. Thanks to the continued commitment and leadership of Mike Thompson, an additional $48.3M in federal funding was secured in 2021 to construct additional flood walls along the Napa River. The flood walls constructed in this next phase will be on the west side of Napa River from the Oxbow to Lincoln and from Imola to Division.
Thompson visited the Oxbow Commons Park, the site of the Oxbow Commons Bypass Floodgates, on February 16th as part of the larger Flood Control Project. The next phase of the project at this site will serve as a key element in preventing flooding in the Downtown Napa area.
Learn more about the Napa Flood Project at https://www.countyofnapa.org/1083/Napa-River-Creek-Flood-Project