Marin County's Board of Supervisors allocated $3.021 million in September for flood protection and emergency preparedness ahead of anticipated El Niño and winter storms.
The funding includes $2.27 million for flood protection and public works, $390,000 for parks flood and erosion protection, and $361,000 for community and emergency preparedness. The investment supports temporary flood barriers, sandbags, drainage protections and shoreline work at McInnis Marsh and McNears Beach, according to the county.
Preparations are already underway across the county. Crews have inspected 6,000 culverts and cleaned 350 culverts, storm drains and catch basins. Approximately 73,000 sandbags are available as emergency response resources. County staff are maintaining drainage systems, servicing and testing pump stations, and readying equipment and supplies.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider a local emergency proclamation at an October 20 meeting. County Executive Derek Johnson said the funding will "help protect communities before winter storms arrive," and encouraged residents in vulnerable areas to prepare now by signing up for alerts, clearing drains and gutters, and gathering essential supplies.