Freeman Diversion

Project: Freeman Diversion Fish Passage Rehabilitation (Vern Freeman Diversion)
Owner: United Water Conservation District (UWCD)
Location: Santa Clara River, Ventura County, California
Delivery/Phase: Engineer’s Estimate for Owner Budget
Momentum Role: Independent Cost Estimator (supporting a partner estimating firm)

Overview

UWCD is rehabilitating the Freeman Diversion to improve safe fish passage for endangered Southern California steelhead while maintaining reliable water supply and diversion operations.

Key Elements

• Nature-like hardened ramp fish passage integrated into the existing diversion structure
• Designed for fish passage across a wide range of river flows
• Includes upgrades at the diversion/headworks to support future operational needs

Momentum’s Services (Independent Cost Estimating Support)

We supported development of the Engineer’s Estimate used for UWCD’s budgeting by providing independent estimating input and validation alongside another estimating firm, including:

• Quantity and assumptions review
• Unit cost and bid-item structure validation
• Constructability-informed pricing for in-river work, access, and temporary diversion/cofferdams
• Risk/contingency considerations for a dynamic river environment

Outcome / Value Delivered a clearer, more defensible cost basis to support UWCD’s budgeting decisions for a complex, multidisciplinary river infrastructure and habitat project.