Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project
In partnership with the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (SBSPRP), the largest marsh restoration project, the Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project aims to restore creek-marsh connections and tidal flows to establish 1,800 acres of tidal marsh in A8 Ponds and Pond A4. The restored tidal marsh is expected to keep pace with sea level rise, providing resilient flood protection. The realigned creek channels will have improved flow lines, reducing the need for future channel maintenance. The project is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and northern shoreline of Santa Clara County and will benefit the cities of Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose, including the community of Alviso. (Download Project Fact Sheet)
The Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project has many stakeholders including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California State Coastal Conservancy, Caltrans, the County of Santa Clara, and the cities of San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale.
The project’s main objectives are to:
- Ecologically restore and enhance the tidal and freshwater marsh and river habitat at the project area.
- Provide resilient flood protection that will adapt to projected sea level rise.
- Reduce maintenance needs for lower Calabazas and San Tomas Aquino creeks.
- Provide enhanced public access and trail improvements.
Current Project Phase:
Planning
Schedule:
Planning: Spring 2022-Spring 2026
Design: Summer 2026-Summer 2029
Construction (subject to securing funding): Summer 2029-Winter 2030
Current Estimated Cost:
Planning through Design Phases: $19 million
Grant Funding:
Measure AA administered by San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority: $3.37 million
Prop 1 Grant administered by California Department of Fish and Wildlife: $500,000
San Francisco Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant administered by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: $3,800,000
Past Public Meetings
On May 15, 2024, Valley Water held a public meeting to present the Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek-Marsh Connection Project. The presentation covered a project overview, conceptual alternatives and was followed by a question-and-answer session.
October 24, 2023, Valley Water held a stakeholder meeting to present the Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek - Marsh Connection Project.
On May 16, 2023, Valley Water held a public meeting to present the Calabazas/San Tomas Aquino Creek - Marsh Connection Project. The presentation covered a project overview, five conceptual alternatives and was followed by a question-and-answer session.