Recent storms along with the threat of sea-level rise are forcing coastal jurisdictions to make decisions about how to preserve their infrastructure in the face of rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Should infrastructure be relocated inland? Should it be placed at a higher elevation? Answering these questions places a heavy burden on these communities that must deal with the high value of coastal land and the complex geological challenges where solutions can be very expensive propositions.
In the center of the Monterey Bay is the Elkhorn Slough, California's second largest estuary and the United States' first estuarine sanctuary. Elkhorn Slough is a critical watershed and estuary, providing habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals. The slough is traversed by both State Route 1 and the Union Pacific Coast Mainline rail tracks, both of which are threatened by sea level rise and coastal erosion. The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments joined with The Nature Conservancy and others to perform a resiliency study of the slough.
Foster City has implemented a Levee Improvements Project, which is the largest public works project in the City’s history. The project will increase the height and width of the levee to improve protection against storms and tide surges, meet sea level rise projections through the year 2050, and make the levee more resistant to earthquakes. Depending on specific location, these improvements will be implemented with conventional sea wall, earthen levee, or hybrid sheet pile wall. Additionally, the project’s associated redevelopment and widening of the Levee/Bay Trail will provide the community with an enhanced, more inviting recreation destination.
Join our virtual panel discussion and learn about the strategies that are being taken by Monterey Bay Area and Foster City to manage the changing landscape.
Moderators:
- Olga A. F. Rodriguez P. E., Senior Project Manager, Mark Thomas
- Christina Watson, Director of Planning, Transportation Agency for Monterey County
Panelists:
- Heather Adamson, Director of Planning, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG)
- Alyssa Mann, Project Director, Climate Resilience, The Nature Conservancy
- Francine Magno, Senior Civil Engineer, City of Foster City
FREE for WTS Members, Students and Unemployed / $10 Non-Members
RSVP by March 21 via Eventbrite HERE and a Zoom link will be sent to you
For questions, email us at [email protected].
Empowering Women, Transforming Transportation. Join WTS Now