The City of Petaluma, California has announced that maintenance dredging of the Petaluma River is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025. The project is a partnership between the city, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the California State Coastal Conservancy.
The work will involve targeted spot dredging along the full length of the river channel, from the downtown Turning Basin to San Pablo Bay. The stated goals of the project are to ensure safe navigation, improve water flow, and enhance flood protection.
The USACE officially released the project for bidding on July 2, and a contractor is expected to be selected in August 2025. The project is funded through a combination of federal, state, and local contributions.
Petaluma City Manager Peggy Flynn thanked the USACE for prioritizing the river and the State Coastal Conservancy for its partnership and support. The city stated it will work with stakeholders to minimise impacts during the project.