LOS ANGELES— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District awarded a $6,748,165.00 contract March 28 to John Madonna Construction Co., Inc., a San Luis Obispo-based small business, for levee improvement work within Santa Maria, Calif.
“Through the successful collaboration with elected officials, the Santa Barbara County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and City of Santa Maria, we are proud to deliver the final piece that will provide Santa Maria with the authorized level of flood risk reduction,” said Los Angeles District Project Manager Tawny Tran.
The contractor will strengthen approximately a 3,700 foot section of the Bradley Canyon Levee, starting at the end of the completed reach 3 along the levee to the Bradley Confluence.
“The Corps and our partners are actively working to strengthen levees and reduce the risk of flooding to those who live and work behind them,” said Col. Mark Toy, commander of the Los Angeles District.
“Completion of this phase of the Santa Maria River Levee Rehabilitation is a significant milestone, and will provide for comprehensive flood protection for the people of Santa Maria and save the citizens tens of millions of dollars annually in flood insurance costs,” said Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino.
Overall, the levee will be strengthened by two methods: installing a steel combi-wall and constructing a soil cement revetment. The new combi-wall will connect to an existing combi-wall and will be installed at the crest of the Bradley Canyon Levee along a 1,000-foot section. The combi-wall consists of wide flange beams and sheet piles. Combi-wall is a system that alternates between a wide flange beam and sheet pile.
The project is expected to be completed by winter 2013.
“This final phase of the levee improvements has been a long time coming,” said 5th District County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino. “This final phase will close the gap and offer the needed protection to the City of Santa Maria and the rest of the valley.”
For additional information about the Corps’ nationwide projects, visit http://www.usace.army.mil and http://www.fbo.gov .