Rep. Mike Levin Announces Signing of Project Partnership Agreements to Begin Sand Replenishment Projects at San Clemente, Encinitas, and Solana Beach
San Clemente and Solana Beach, CA- Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local elected officials to announce the execution of two Project Partnership Agreements (PPAs) for the San Clemente Shoreline Protection Project and the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project. This milestone will allow sand replenishment projects to begin at each location.
The first project, the San Clemente Shoreline Protection Project, involves placing about 251,000 cubic yards of sand on the City beach from Linda Lane to T-street, a distance of about 3,400 feet. It will widen the beach about 50 feet to provide storm damage reduction, safety, recreational benefits for the public. The project also focuses on providing protection for the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) tracks that run immediately adjacent to the San Clemente coast. It is designed to protect this asset while also protecting roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, as well as maintain recreational use of San Clemente’s coastline. Rep. Levin secured $9.3 million in federal funding for the San Clemente Shoreline Protection Project through the Fiscal Year 2022 government funding bill.
The second project, the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project, involves placing 700,000 cubic yards of sand along 7,200 feet of beach in Solana Beach and 340,000 cubic yards of sand along 7,800 feet of beach in Encinitas. The project will widen the beaches to reduce storm damage, improve safety, and expand recreational benefits for the public. Since entering office, Rep. Levin has prioritized federal funding for this project and successfully secured $30.5 million for the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rep. Levin also previously secured an additional $1.5 million in federal funding to complete the Planning, Engineering & Design (PED) phase of the project.
“My number one focus is delivering results on our local priorities, and I am thrilled that these projects will now begin to take shape. The sand replenishment work will address some of the biggest coastal and infrastructure challenges facing our region,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “After years of fighting for our communities, along with the work of local partners, I’m proud these crucial funding streams will benefit our communities, and I look forward to seeing the projects begin soon.”
“Our beaches are the heart and soul of San Clemente. On behalf of the city, I extend our deepest gratitude to Rep. Levin for his tireless advocacy securing funds for this critical project which will protect our coastline from erosion and climate change,” said Mayor Chris Duncan of San Clemente.
“This project, which will protect and preserve our beaches and bluffs from coastal erosion, represents the culmination of years of planning and coordination between the Cities of Solana Beach and Encinitas, State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways, and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Many thanks to Congressman Levin who prioritized this project and worked tirelessly to secure the federal funding to make it happen. Without his persistent efforts, this project would not be possible,” said Mayor Lisa Heebner of Solana Beach.
"This project to put sand on our beaches in Encinitas has been a long time coming! Visitors and residents who enjoy our Pacific Ocean shoreline will appreciate the decades of work that was done to make it happen. Much thanks to Congressman Levin for his efforts to get the federal funding source finalized!” said Mayor Tony Kranz of Encinitas.
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