COMMITTEE AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Santa Clara Valley Water Commission
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: title
Tour of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project Site for Informational Purposes Only.
End
RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
The tour of the Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project Site is for informational purposes only.
Body
SUMMARY:
Background
The Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project is a long-standing flood protection initiative in southern Santa Clara County and is being implemented through a partnership among Valley Water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the State of California, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the City of Morgan Hill. The overall project extends approximately 13.9 miles along Upper Llagas Creek, from Buena Vista Avenue to Llagas Road, including West Little Llagas Creek through downtown Morgan Hill, and is part of the voter-approved Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
This tour will provide Commissioners with an opportunity to observe the construction of the final phase of one of Valley Water's largest flood protection projects and learn how flood risk reduction, environmental mitigation, and partnerships are being integrated to benefit the Morgan Hill, San Martin, and Gilroy communities.
When complete, the federally authorized project will provide 100-year flood protection for the urban area of Morgan Hill, protecting approximately 1,100 homes, 500 businesses, and more than 1,300 acres of agricultural land while also improving stream habitat, water quality, wetlands, and fisheries.
The project has been constructed in three phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2A have been completed, providing significant flood protection improvements and environmental enhancements. Phase 2B, the final construction phase, is currently underway.
Project Status
Construction of Phase 2B continues on schedule and is approximately 70 percent complete. Work includes improvements along approximately eight miles of Upper Llagas Creek between U.S. Highway 101 and Llagas Road, including creek widening and deepening, installation of reinforced concrete box culverts, bridge improvements, utility relocations, storm drain modifications, habitat enhancements, and extensive native revegetation.
Phase 2B construction is scheduled for completion in March 2027, followed by a three-year native plant establishment period. The project is funded through the Safe, Clean Water Program, together with up to $80 million in grant funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Tour Information
Please be aware of the following tour information:
1. The tour will be held in person on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Transportation will be provided. A shuttle will depart from Valley Water Headquarters between 12:30 and 12:40 p.m. for the project site. Participants may choose to meet directly at the designated tour parking location (see Attachment 1).
2. All visitors, including public attendees, must sign in and out and wear the provided personal protective equipment (PPE) while on site.
3. The Upper Llagas Creek Flood Protection Project is an active construction site with ongoing construction activities, including heavy equipment, trucks, and other construction operations.
4. Wear closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants, sleeves, and sun protection for short walks throughout the project site. Bring water or other heat protection as needed to stay cool.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IMPACT:
There are no environmental justice impacts associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: Map and Instructions
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER:
Manager
Bhavani Yerrapotu, 408-630-2735