By Paul Neimann
Silt-clogged Bolinas Lagoon appears one small step closer to salvation now that the Army Corps of Engineers has drafted a detailed outline of a much anticipated "feasibility study."
The study is intended to point out the best way to restore tidal action-and ultimately wildlife habitat- to the lagoon. The two to three-year analysis could begin as early as Jan. 15.
In spite of the progress, crucial local funding remains to be secured. The cost of the study is estimated at $1.7 million, with costs to be shared equally by federal and non-federal (predominantly county recruited) sources.
The "project study plan" just released by the Army Corps is a "cost sharing agreement," explained Susan Lucas, Study Manager for the Corps. Its intent, she said, is to "clearly chart out for both partners their tasks and responsibilities."
But details on who foots the bill for what have been excised from the draft. Lucas explained, "It is still a working draft in the negotiation phase." She added that the Corps must also wait for outside contractor bids before releasing financial details.
Lucas said she anticipates no delay in "friendly" negotiations with the county. She expects a contract agreement by the Jan. 15 date, at which time the study will formally start.
Most federal funding was secured when the US House of Representatives voted in September to go along with a Senate appropriation of $750,000 for the project.
The county, however, remains more than a half-million dollars short in its search for matching funds, and officials are scrambling to shoulder the burden.
"I feel like a bell-ringer at Christmas," said Supervisor Steve Kinsey.
The county is allowed to cover half its share with "in-kind" services. That is, credit will be given for using the county's existing technical resources. But to date, only $150,000 worth of such services have been identified.
Kinsey outlined some potential cash resources:
Ron Miska, planning and acquisitions manager for the Marin Open Space District, acknowledged that "we still have a ways to go. We do need to search out other sources."
Miska, however, remains "very confident" the county can pay "along the way" as research progresses. He said he sees no impediment to signing the cost-sharing contract and beginning the study in January.
Although fixing Bolinas Lagoon's problems has been a lengthy process, recent responses have been relatively quick. The Army Corps preliminary study took one year, although such studies usually take twice as long.
The study phase will get a similar push. "There's been a lot of interest, so we're expediting that as well. We're really on a fast track here," the Corps' Lucas said.
The local Committee to Save Bolinas Lagoon, headed by Bolinas resident John Jones, has lobbied vigorously for government funding.
Jones praised Senator Barbara Boxer for her "wonderful support," describing her as "a real quarterback" in the effort. He also credited the Corps with reducing study costs to better chances of obtaining local funds.
Manager Lucas indicated the feasibility study will emphasize environmental studies and wildlife surveys. "The whole purpose of this study is to maximize habitat. We want to create the most wetlands possible."
At present, the Corps seems optimistic about aiding the lagoon. The recent report notes that "it is believed possible to improve the hydrodynamics to the point where the Lagoon's rate of transformation is more in line with what nature had intended."
Lucas herself said she is "very excited... It's a great project, and you'll see the benefit if it goes through to the construction phase-and it's a beautiful place to be on-site."
Asked whether funding for any eventual construction might prove scarce, Lucas said she doubted it. "These appropriations don't come lightly," she remarked, indicating that research funds are generally given under the assumption that follow-up funding will be required.
The Bolinas Lagoon Technical Advisory Committee will discuss the Corps' plan and Committee to Save Bolinas Lagoon activities at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at Audubon Canyon Ranch. The county is expected to hold a public meeting within the next two months but no date has been set.