2025 Community Project Funding Requests
Beta Street Channel and Storm Drain Improvement Project
Project Name: Beta Street Channel and Storm Drain Improvement Project
Request Amount: $6,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C St., San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project aims to alleviate flooding in the Southcrest community on San Diego by enhancing the drainage capacity of Chollas Creek and improving the drainage system to contain a 100-year storm event—safeguarding the community from potential flood risks. The existing flooding condition poses significant health and safety concerns for area residents, making the improvement crucial for the well-being of the community. The project consists of several components including a pump station, channel widening, a berm, flap gates, regrading, a concrete V-ditch, and new storm drains.
On January 22nd, 2024, the City of San Diego faced an unprecedented storm event. As a result, the community surrounding the South Las Chollas Creek Channel faced severe flooding and property damage resulting in a major federal disaster declaration. This capital improvement project would help provide much needed infrastructure enhancements to help mitigate future flooding impacts from severe storms.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because this project will increase the capacity of the community’s drainage system to contain a 100-year storm event. Currently, the existing drainage system is unable to contain a 2-year storm event.
The project has a Federal nexus because provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Project Name: California Coastal Trail
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: County of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the design and environmental analysis phase of the construction of a crossing for the California Coastal Trail in the Tijuana River Valley. This project will provide a safe, more accessible trail crossing of the Tijuana River and would connect to existing trails in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park. In 2024 the County completed a Feasibility Analysis of potential crossings and determined a preferred alignment.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the California Coastal Trail is a treasure providing Californians with safe, enjoyable recreation spanning the entire state. This project will provide a safe, more accessible trail crossing of the Tijuana River and would connect to existing trails in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133(b).
Clean Transit Advancement Campus - Design Phase
Project Name: Clean Transit Advancement Campus - Design Phase
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the building of an all new zero-emission bus division for MTS and its future service expansion. Currently, MTS has five bus divisions with the primary functions of bus operations, maintenance, and administrative support. All five are at or near capacity, limiting MTS’s ability to electrify its fleet and add new services. This request will provide funding towards the design phase of the Clean Transit Advancement Campus (CTAC), MTS’s new zero-emission bus division.
In 2019, MTS approved a plan to convert its entire bus fleet to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040. The charging infrastructure footprint and additional peak bus needs to accommodate this plan will require additional bus division capacity. It is critical for MTS to develop an additional bus division to resolve current capacity constraints, operate service throughout the transition without interruption, and meet the future space needs for complete fleet electrification.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project will provide significant public benefits to the communities MTS serves in the County of San Diego, with approximately 31 million bus passengers every year. These benefits include additional job opportunities; zero-emission bus charging infrastructure; a LEED-certified facility; Envision Certification; advancement of zero-emission technologies; prioritization of clean, zero-emission transit services in disadvantaged communities; and enhancement and expansion of transit services to the region. The CTAC project is also a major investment in jobs and clean technology in an area of San Diego surrounded by disadvantaged communities.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 49 U.S.C. 5302(4).
Discover UC San Diego - Equitable, Online Dual Enrollment
Project Name: Discover UC San Diego - Equitable, Online Dual Enrollment
Request Amount: $2,160,000
Intended Recipient: University of California San Diego Division of Extended Studies
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92092
Request Explanation:
Discover UC San Diego (Discover) offers high school students the opportunity to explore and earn college credit in STEM-related majors at UC San Diego. The requested funding will be used to develop three additional STEM-related courses to help prepare students for the growing workforce demand for STEM skills, including skills aligned with NASA's space- and earth-oriented missions and objectives.
This unique program allows high-school students to get a head start on their road to a college degree, explore and find interest in a college major, and prove to themselves that they can succeed at a world-class college. By providing online courses at no/low cost, offering wraparound supports, and focusing outreach on under-resourced schools, Discover expands access to college-level courses throughout San Diego and Imperial County. The requested funding will greatly expand Discover’s impact, allowing the program to reach around 1,000 students a year and add three additional STEM-related courses.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the funding will greatly expand equitable access to college-level STEM courses while preparing students for their prospective major and helping them graduate on time. Discover courses will be offered online to high school students in California at no/low cost to the learner. The course curriculum aligns with actual required major courses at UCSD and are fully transferrable to any university accepting UC San Diego credit. Discover students will be able to complete up to three courses, earning 12 to 15 major-specific course credits that jump starts their progress towards earning a degree.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 20102 of title 51, United States Code. In particular, the project will offer high school students the opportunity to explore and earn college credit in STEM-related majors at UC San Diego, with a focus on coursework aligned with NASA's mission and objectives, including coursework focused on astronomy, the planet, climate change, as well as applied skills in engineering, technology, healthcare, and international cooperation, all of which serve to advance NASA’s core priorities under the Safety, Security, and Mission Services (SSMS) initiative.
El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center
Project Name: El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center
Request Amount: $7,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of National City
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1243 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950
Request Explanation:
The project would complete the design and construction of a new, energy efficient multipurpose community center at El Toyon Park in National City, CA. The current 7,000 square foot community center is in disrepair, having exceeded its useful life, and will be officially closing its doors to the public in June 2024. This will be the second community and recreation center that the City has needed to close in the past five years due to public safety concerns.
With a population of approximately 60,000 residents, the community is significantly underserved with access to community centers, recreation centers, and libraries. The El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center will begin to address these needs by delivering a 10,000 square foot facility consisting of an entry corridor, lobby and reception area, community room, multi-use space, library with study rooms and computer area, outdoor courtyard with shade structure, public restrooms, landscaping, public art, and accessible parking.
The project is a good use of taxpayer resources because construction of a new multipurpose community center would provide access to recreational and educational opportunities for families and children of this historically disadvantaged community.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project
Project Name: Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project
Request Amount: $8,500,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will partially fund the construction of the Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project (WBS B14078). Jamacha Drainage Channel project is located in the Skyline/Paradise Hills community within the Chollas Creek Watershed. The project is bound between the Jamacha Road and Glencoe Drive in upstream and Woodman Street and Imperial Avenue in downstream that is located within the highly urbanized upper portion of the Chollas Creek watershed. This area is prone to frequent floods during small storm events. This condition creates a health and safety issue for residents and impacts the natural habitat of adjacent areas and nearby public amenities. The overall project goals are to improve flood conveyance and mitigate environmental impact. The proposed improvements include culvert improvements at Cadman and Woodman Street, upsizing the existing storm drain system upstream of Beacon Drive, widening the existing stream channel in multiple locations, upsizing culverts at 68th Street and 69th Street, and creating wetland for habitat restoration.
In particular, the project aims to: install channel features, such as drop structures, to reduce flow and maximize the vegetation in the channel to promote longer resident time of floodwaters and enhanced water treatment through biotic and chemical uptake by native vegetation communities, which will support total maximum daily load (TMDL) targets for metals; reshape the floodplain channel in selected locations where sufficient area exists to expand the effective channel between an existing sewer line and the toe of the canyon slope to reduce flow velocities; upgrade and increase culvert capacity and the existing reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) system and replace storm drain inlets to reduce flood risk; establish a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) and Long- Term Management Plan (LTMP) for Jamacha Channel to facilitate up to 12 acres of compensatory mitigation through habitat restoration and a long-term management strategy; and establish local recreational amenities, including a non-motorized trail connection.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will reduce flood risks in preparation for 100-year flood events. This is especially important because in January 2024 San Diego County saw record flooding that prompted President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Monument Road Bridge and Replacement
Project Name: Monument Road Bridge and Replacement
Request Amount: $4,750,000
Intended Recipient: County of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would replace the existing culvert which is regularly subject to flooding and contributes significantly to the trash and sediment buildup of the Tijuana River tributary at Smuggler’s Gulch. San Diego County is seeking funding from Congress for the planning, design, and environmental analysis for the construction of a bridge over Monument Road. The bridge would be implemented as part of a large-scale effort to address trash, sediment build-up, and flooding within the Tijuana River Valley. Monument Road’s current configuration is often closed due to flooding. As a key access point to Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, the road's closure can cause public safety concerns.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because a new Monument Road bridge would accommodate a larger flood event and provide year-round access to existing recreational amenities within the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133(b)(1). Monument Road also connects I-5 with SR 905, and Border Patrol and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services rely on the road for operational purposes.
Project Name: Moosa Canyon Pipeline
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego County Water Authority
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 4677 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the replacement of portions of Pipelines 3, 4, and 5 within Moosa Creek to ensure that a reliable water supply can continue to users, while also protecting a community from a potential failure that could lead to the flooding of a section of the I-15 freeway. This project is critical in supporting the Water Authority’s mission to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 23 member agencies by providing a long-term solution to the significant risks identified.
The project would fund the construction of a pipeline tunnel for all three pipelines to cross beneath Moosa Creek. This project would provide both flooding and seismic resiliency by relocating the pipelines within a tunnel casing and below the 500-year scour limit, near bedrock depth—thus, mitigating the threat zones within Moosa Canyon and the I-15 freeway. Slope stabilization measures would also be constructed along the three pipeline alignments on the canyon slopes, such as rock anchor supports and vertical pile supports, to provide a robust system capable of withstanding significant ground movement.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project will ensure that the community continues to receive a reliable water supply and protects against potential failure that would impact water supply, the community, and the I-15 freeway.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Project Name: New Bonita Fire Engine
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Bonita Sunnyside Fire Protection District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the acquisition of a new fire engine to replace an engine that has been in frontline services for 12 years—longer than the recommended timeframe for replacing a frontline engine. The new truck will expand frontline capacity and enable the BSFPD to staff multiple engines during large disasters, while still complying with required maintenance schedules and safety standards. Eight of the ten largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the last five years. In this time of increasing fire risk, more equipment is needed to protect our community effectively. The BSFPD serves over 18,000 individuals across a seven square mile service area—including commercial developments as well as parklands and conservation areas. A new fire engine would allow the Department to respond more promptly to all of the 1,800 calls that it receives over an average year. In particular, the Department plans to acquire a Type 1 fire engine with a 500-gallon poly tank and 2000 GPM PTO driven pump with an inline Compressed Air Foam System and associated 30-gallon tank.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the new fire engine will be in service for ten years in a frontline capacity and another ten years in a reserve capacity.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a).
Palm Avenue Complete Multimodal Corridor
Project Name: Palm Avenue Complete Multimodal Corridor
Request Amount: $9,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of Imperial Beach
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 825 Imperial Beach Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Request Explanation:
The Palm Avenue Complete Multimodal Corridor project aims to modernize a 1.5-mile stretch of Palm Avenue (State Route 75)—a vital transportation artery within the city—catering to the needs of drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users alike. Palm Avenue is the primary gateway to and through Imperial Beach and is an alternative connection from I-5 to the City of Coronado, to local military facilities, and to local public beaches including Imperial Beach and Silver Strand State Beach. Recognized by the Department of Defense as part of the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET), this section of road is integral to the operations of Naval Base Coronado.
The City of Imperial Beach is a disadvantaged, underserved community that has suffered from a long history of severe pollution impacts from the Tijuana River. The Palm Avenue Corridor, which is the primary commercial spine of the City, is currently characterized by high-speed traffic, poorly designed and marked pedestrian facilities, dilapidated and under-utilized structures and properties, and a high concentration of auto mobile-oriented uses.
Within the City, Palm Avenue serves as the major east-west route providing access to the beachfront commercial areas of Old Palm Avenue and Seacoast Drive. However, the current configuration and design of Palm Avenue effectively separates and isolates the residential neighborhood to the north. The Project would create better pedestrian linkages between the neighborhoods and commercial uses on the north and south sides of the corridor.
The project’s primary objective is to implement streetscape improvements and urban design strategies that align with the overarching goal of developing a lively, safe, and pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly commercial corridor along Palm Avenue. Key priorities involve the transformation of the existing six-lane highway into a welcoming “Main Street” environment, enhancing traffic flow while nurturing a new context conducive to mixed-use developments. These developments will not only offer essential amenities and services to the community but also establish connections with surrounding residential areas, reinforcing the area's intimate, beach-town ambiance.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the implementation of the Palm Avenue Complete Multimodal Corridor project will catalyze redevelopment of adjacent properties creating positive economic and social benefits and more sustainable land uses. The project will also implement streetscape improvements and urban design strategies that align with the overarching goal of developing a lively, safe, and pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly commercial corridor along Palm Avenue.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133(b)(2).
Palomar Motel - Permanent Supportive Housing
Project Name: Palomar Motel - Permanent Supportive Housing
Request Amount: $8,200,000
Intended Recipient: City of Chula Vista
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 276 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project will support the City of Chula Vista’s plan to convert a recently acquired motel into affordable housing. To date, only 30 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) beds have been created in this Region, compared to the 6,865 PSH beds in the entire San Diego County. This disparity emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of supportive housing resources across the region.
The project consists of converting 31 motel units into long-term housing units, a new community space for property management offices, onsite services, case management, and a lounge area for residents. Each of the 31-units would be fully renovated and equipped with a full bathroom and kitchenette. In addition, the property would be modified to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Supportive services offered for the duration of the residency will include, but are not limited to, case management, outreach services, substance abuse treatment services, and legal services. The comprehensive approach, which combines housing with supportive services, has proven to be effective in breaking the cycle of homelessness and empowering individuals to regain independence. The ability to produce additional permanent supportive housing units is an essential component in addressing homelessness and providing stability for vulnerable elderly, individuals, and families. Through this program, individuals facing homelessness will not only have access to safe and stable housing but will also receive the necessary support services to help them rebuild their lives and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because funds to support the addition of PSH units in this area of the County is vital for meeting the needs of the homeless population in the community and ensuring equity in access to stable housing and supportive services. The project’s objective is to provide Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), integrating affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services to address the needs of chronically homeless individuals and elders. PSH has a proven track record of reducing chronic homelessness while promoting housing stability and improving overall health outcomes.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2) and (a)(4).
San Ysidro Transit Center Improvements
Project Name: San Ysidro Transit Center Improvements
Request Amount: $3,600,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Association of Governments
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 401 B, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the primary gateway between the U.S. and Mexico and one of the busiest border crossings in the world. Today, over 90,000 people cross northbound through this port daily resulting in a dynamic binational culture, workforce, and economy. Nearly 20,000 of these daily crossers do so as pedestrians landing immediately at the San Ysidro Transit Center (SYTC). For decades this station has been an anchor connecting community residents, regional travelers, and the cross-border population to the rest of the region. Today, the Blue Line Trolley has some of the highest ridership of any light rail line in the country with 13,000 daily riders boarding at SYTC alone. Despite its workload and importance to the region, state, and country, the station faces significant challenges impacting safety, connectivity, and efficiency. These issues have persisted for more than 20 years since the site was last reconfigured.
With nearly 50,000 vehicles queueing for several hours to cross each day, the resulting poor air quality impacts San Ysidro community residents the most. Limited capacity at SYTC directly also limits the region’s ability to serve more of the cross-border travel demand via transit and less polluting modes – exacerbating these burdens on the community.
This project will address these long-standing issues via station redesign. The primary benefits of the project include removal of dangerous pedestrian/vehicular conflicts, enhancement of station accessibility and ADA compliance, and the addition of much needed capacity for critical rail and bus service. In addition, the project will complete the final link of a regional bikeway, widen sidewalks and curbs, improve lighting and signage, and introduce placemaking and pedestrian-oriented design features to improve the urban environment at and around the station.
This project has broad community support, including from State Senator Steve Padilla, San Diego City Councilmember Vivian Moreno, and the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District. This project is also identified as a priority in the Local Community Plan, Regional Plan, California-Baja California Border Master Plan, as well as other programmatic planning documents. Local and regional agencies have been conducting planning and outreach activities since spring 2022 and have developed conceptual design concepts. These concepts are the result of coordination with federal, state, and local agencies on both sides of the border, local stakeholder groups, and public feedback.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will address long-standing issues impacting pedestrian safety, accessibility, and operational capacity at the existing station San Ysidro Transit Center. Increased transit accessibility also has the potential to cut down on wait times for nearly 50,000 vehicles that currently queue for several hours each day to pass through the Port of Entry.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2) (the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, or installation of public works, facilities and site or other improvements) and (a)(5) (special projects directed to the removal of material and architectural barriers which restrict the mobility and accessibility of elderly and handicapped persons).
Streamview Drive Safety Improvements Project
Project Name: Streamview Drive Safety Improvements Project
Request Amount: $4,700,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
Streamview Drive, located in the historically disadvantaged Eastern Area community within the City of San Diego, is a wide local collector street prone to speeding from cut-through vehicles. The Project will make necessary transportation infrastructure improvements along 1.3 miles of Streamview Drive to increase safety and enhance mobility for all road users. The project will install five roundabouts to calm traffic, reduce vehicle speeds, and decrease the likelihood and severity of collisions. The Project will construct raised medians, pedestrian refuges, and bulb-outs to shorten crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility. The Project will also install separated bike lanes, upgrade bus stops, close gaps in the sidewalk network, and install ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps to create a more accessible and safer corridor for the community.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project’s transportation infrastructure upgrades will improve the quality of life for the community by building in safety for all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as people walking, biking, or experiencing personal mobility impairments.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133(b)(2).
Sustainable Infrastructure at Southwestern College
Project Name: Sustainable Infrastructure at Southwestern College
Request Amount: $7,000,000
Intended Recipient: Southwestern Community College District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 900 Otay Lakes Road, Bldg.12, Rm 100, Chula Vista CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project will fund sustainable infrastructure improvements at Southwestern Community College District (SCCD), including electrical transformer upgrades and upgrades to recycled water irrigation. In particular, the funds would allow SCCD to assess and replace outdated transformers with energy-efficient alternatives; implement smart grid technology for improved monitoring and management of electrical systems; and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations to ensure reliable power supply. It would also fund the campus’s conversion to recycled water irrigation, including the installation of new irrigation infrastructure capable of utilizing recycled water; the integration of smart irrigation technology for optimized water usage; and collaboration with local water authorities to establish sustainable water sourcing and distribution.
The pressing need for infrastructure improvements at the 63-year-old institution cannot be overstated. This academic year, the campus lost one day of instruction due to aging electrical infrastructure that caused power outages on the Chula Vista campus. In addition, many community uses, such as youth sports leagues, were disrupted due to the power outage.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because not only will this project enhance the quality of education and overall campus experience, it will also yield significant environmental and sustainability benefits. By investing in water-use-reduction strategies and electrical-system upgrades, the campus can substantially decrease its environmental footprint while simultaneously cutting operational costs. By implementing measures to reduce our reliance on traditional utility sources, such as upgrading irrigation systems to use recycled water and improving electrical infrastructure, the campus will not only maintain valued, community outdoor spaces but it will also demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Also, by reducing our general fund expenditures on utilities through increased efficiency and sustainability measures, the campus will ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized in the most cost-effective manner possible.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Sweetwater Park Coastal Salt Marsh Buffer
Project Name: Sweetwater Park Coastal Salt Marsh Buffer
Request Amount: $650,000
Intended Recipient: Unified Port District of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 3165 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
Sweetwater Park is a nature-focused park centered on native habitat restoration, nature-play, and wildlife viewing opportunities in the Chula Vista Bayfront area. This project would restore native coastal habitats, enhance connectivity between wildlife refuge units, and protect our coastal communities from sea-level rise, erosion, and coastal flooding around Sweetwater Park. The creation of a salt marsh buffer zone around Sweetwater Park will enhance the resilience and richness of the area, remove invasive species, and prevent their spread into the adjacent park.
The Chula Vista Bayfront is a historically underserved community that lacks adequate public park and open spaces. It is home to some of San Diego’s most vital coastal wetland habitat areas, which protect and provide for native fish, birds, and other wildlife, including those that are endangered, at risk, and/or dependent on the unique ecosystems within San Diego Bay. The Chula Vista Bayfront also contains several acres of environmentally degraded habitat, which are the focus of this proposal, and are ideally situated for coastal salt marsh and upland habitat restoration.
This project will provide multiple benefits including vital habitat restoration benefits that will protect the Refuge from future sea level rise impacts. This project also seeks to expand habitat connectivity by removing multiple acres of invasive species, specifically those rated as moderate and highly invasive by the California Invasive Plant Council. This project will provide a range of ecosystem services through the creation and restoration of tidal channels, mud flats, eelgrass, salt marsh, and coastal sage scrub and maritime succulent scrub habitat to improve water quality, carbon sequestration, erosion control along the shoreline, and mitigate future flood impacts from sea level rise. This will in turn increase native habitat acreage to support migratory birds and species endemic to southern California.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will restore a former industrial-use area into a thriving coastal ecosystem for the adjacent underserved community to view and benefit from its correspondent ecosystem services.
The project has a federal nexus because provided is for purposes authorized by Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. § 1451 et seq.).