Flood Control - Santa Cruz LAFCO

Santa Cruz LAFCO: Countywide Service Review
– DETERMINATIONS BY AGENCY –
Flood Protection and Stormwater Services
– City of Capitola–
1) Population and Growth
Population within the City of Capitola is expected to reach 11,136 by 2030 with an annual growth rate of
0.1%. Although growth is limited, there will be a continued need for drainage services for public
protection.
2) Infrastructure Needs and Deficiencies
The City of Capitola has identified critical system improvements needed to maintain adequate drainage
within the City; the improvements are currently not funded.
The City routinely inspects and cleans the outfall; storm drains are cleaned annually in the fall prior to the
rainy season.
Major storm drain services are provided by the Santa Cruz County Flood Control & Water Conservation
District through Zone 5.
Capitola has identified the following infrastructure and operational needs: 1) an accurate map of the
drainage systems, 2) implementation of the Soquel Creek Lagoon Management Plan, and 3) improving
water quality in Soquel Creek.
3) Financing Constraints and Opportunities
The City of Capitola funds its drainage services through the City’s General Fund; however funding has
not been adequate to address capital improvement needs.
The City has not funded its NPDES program or implementation of the Soquel Creek Lagoon Management
Plan.
4) Cost Avoidance Opportunities
The City of Capitola is avoiding water quality violations and penalties by regularly cleaning the drainage
outfall and storm drains.
5) Management Efficiencies
The City of Capitola operates its drainage systems with a staff of five; an accurate map of the City’s
drainage facilities would help the City improve management efficiency.
June 2005 – Public Review Draft Section 5 - 19