Corte Madera’s Town Council just approved a plan to invest in its storm drain pump infrastructure. They’ve set aside $866,000 for the first phase of a short-term repair project.
This work focuses on key pump stations around Marin County’s waterfront communities. The upgrades will improve sensors, electrical systems, and controls before the winter storm season hits.
Discover hand-picked hotels and vacation homes tailored for every traveler. Skip booking fees and secure your dream stay today with real-time availability!
Browse Accommodations Now
It’s not really about flood mitigation this time—reliability is the name of the game. Officials think these upgrades will help Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and other nearby towns get through heavy rainfall with fewer headaches.
Phase 1 scope and goals
This first phase zeroes in on the core of the town’s stormwater network. Sensors, electrical parts, and control systems tend to fail during rough storms, so those get top priority.
By focusing here, Corte Madera wants to cut down on outages and keep pumps running when they matter most. That’s especially true during a busy winter season, when Marin County’s waterfront and inland valleys are both at risk.
Phase 1 stations and potential Lagoon upgrades
The project covers five pump stations, with a possible extension to Lagoon 1 and Lagoon 2 if there’s enough funding. Here’s the list of stations getting upgrades:
- Black Kettle station
- High Canal station
- Marina Village station
- San Clemente station
- Corporation yard
If the budget allows, Lagoon 1 and Lagoon 2 might get upgrades too, which could bump up costs by about $300,000. Allen-Bradley will supply the electrical components, and the town will put construction work out to bid to keep pricing competitive in Marin County’s busy market.
Budget, funding, and procurement details
The town’s budget for this phase is about $866,000. The main work should cost around $760,000, with $30,000 set aside for construction support and a 10% contingency.
Corte Madera originally planned to use $700,000 from Measure F funds and will cover any extra with additional Measure F money. If they go for the Lagoon upgrades, the total could rise by roughly $300,000—so keeping bids in check is a big deal, especially in a market where towns like Fairfax, Novato, and Tiburon often see budgets stretched thin.
Officials want a transparent bidding process, working with Marin County’s skilled trades and consultants. The plan fits into the town’s 2025 and 2026 work programs and pulls from the 2024 storm drain master plan—a document a lot of Marin communities use when dealing with old infrastructure from Greenbrae to Tamalpais Valley.
Timeline and next steps
They’re aiming to kick off work this summer and finish before the worst of the storm season. That’s pretty much the same approach as places like San Anselmo and Fairfax, where summer starts lead into fall inspections.
By wrapping up before late fall, Corte Madera hopes to avoid winter disruptions and boost reliability across its network. The improvements should also help out neighboring Marin areas, from Tamalpais Valley to Lucas Valley Road.
Why this matters across Marin County
These upgrades go beyond Corte Madera. They support Marin County’s bigger goal: keeping stormwater systems dependable, even with unpredictable weather.
Communities like Corte Madera, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Tiburon all share the same concern. Everyone wants reliable pump stations. The Black Kettle station failed during January flooding, but after checking it out, the team decided it didn’t need more repairs than what’s already planned for this first phase.
This approach feels cautious but practical. It aims for stability rather than jumping into massive flood-mitigation projects.
This $866,000 investment is a solid step for Corte Madera and its Marin neighbors. It shows the town’s focus on careful spending under Measure F and highlights how important these pumps are for keeping people safe and dry.
From Corte Madera to San Rafael and even out toward San Quentin, these improvements matter. As Marin gets more serious about storm readiness, maybe residents can look forward to fewer outages and a bit more peace of mind when the rain starts pouring.
Here is the source article for this story: Corte Madera allocates $866K for storm pump upgrades
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
