Meeting: How to stop floods on First. St. W.

Ways to stop perennial flooding on Sonoma’s First Street West just north of the Plaza will be presented and discussed at a public meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 6-8 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room, 177 First Street West.

The focus is the flood-prone creek running along First Street West between Spain and Napa Streets.

“The big December storm was a reminder of our vulnerability to flooding in Sonoma Valley,” said Supervisor Susan Gorin, who also chairs the Sonoma County Water Agency Board of Directors. “Project partners are eager to hear what neighbors and businesses think about options to reduce flooding on First Street West.”

The meeting will include a presentation from the Sonoma County Water Agency and the City of Sonoma on options that are under consideration, followed by an opportunity for questions and comments.

The meeting is not a public hearing but an informal session to receive input from interested neighbors and business owners on the Plaza. There will be information about how the alternatives are designed to reduce flooding and impacts to properties and businesses in the neighborhood.

The project is part of the City Watersheds of Sonoma Valley program, which is a cooperative effort among the Sonoma County Water Agency, City of Sonoma, and Sonoma Ecology Center. The City Watersheds of Sonoma Valley program includes elements designed to improve habitat along city creeks, reduce flooding, manage stormwater, and increase groundwater recharge.

For additional information about the February 4, 2015 public meeting, contact Barry Dugan, at 547-1930 or email to: [email protected]