2026 HIGH PRIORITY FLOOD RISK REDUCTION PROJECTS

The 2026 High Priority Flood Risk Reduction Projects, managed by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 2 - San Francisco Bay, Oakland, focus on reducing flood risks in the City of San Mateo, California. The project involves the removal of overgrown invasive vegetation, including cattails, brass buttons, and bitter dock, from the concrete-lined 16th Avenue and 19th Avenue channels. These actions are necessary to restore the conveyance capacity of the channels, which currently cause flooding of adjacent streets and buildings during high flow events. The 16th Avenue channel drains toward Seal Slough and the San Francisco Bay, while the 19th Avenue channel drains into Borel Creek before reaching Seal Slough and the Bay. The scope of work specifically includes the removal of invasive vegetation along 420 linear feet of the 16th Avenue channel bank, followed by the application of a native seed mix spray to stabilize the bank and promote native vegetation cover. This project is classified under NAICS code 237990 and is designated as a forecast. It is granted a categorical exemption under CEQA Section 15301 as it pertains to the maintenance of existing facilities with no change in use. Primary coordination for the project is handled by Environmental Scientist Jackson Fimrite and Environmental Programs Coordinator Gustavo Lopez.