Rep. Mike Levin Secures Over $107 Million in New Funding to Protect Local Rail Infrastructure, Combat Coastal Erosion, and Complete Sand Replenishment Project
Over $1 Billion in Total Federal Funding Now Secured by Rep. Levin for the 49th District
San Clemente, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) – alongside leaders from the City of San Clemente, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – announced that he secured over $107 million in new funding for coastal resilience in San Clemente.
Rep. Levin secured a $100 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for OCTA to improve and secure the San Clemente portion of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, the second busiest rail corridor in the country. Rep. Levin also secured an additional $7.4 million in federal funds to complete Phase II of the Army Corps’ San Clemente Shoreline Project to replenish sand on local beaches.
“Over the past seven years, the seven-mile stretch of the LOSSAN Rail Corridor running through South Orange County has been closed for a cumulative 12 months, threatening the safety and reliability of passenger rail, freight, and commuter rail service,” said Rep. Levin. “Every year, millions of passengers, hundreds of businesses, and the military rely on this Corridor, which is why I’ve made it a top priority to secure all the federal resources necessary to protect, strengthen, and stabilize the LOSSAN Corridor and surrounding beaches for years to come. It’s vital to the economy and livelihood of our region.”
“In less than one year we’ve secured more than $300 million to save our coastal rail infrastructure from catastrophic failure. In December 2023 OCTA identified four hotspots on the verge of catastrophic failure due to the effects of climate change. To save these four locations while we continue to study alternatives for the next 50 years, we needed to secure unprecedented funding for Orange County’s beaches and rail,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley. “Thanks to the partnership of Congressman Mike Levin, and our tireless advocacy on Capitol Hill and in Sacramento, we’ve fully funded bringing 500,000 cubic yards of sand onto our shores. Now, all that’s left, is to cut the red tape to secure the permits.”
“The participation by the federal and state government to protect the critical infrastructure in portions of San Clemente is exciting and welcome,” said Mayor Victor Cabral. “The City recognizes that there are sections of the coastline that will still need to be addressed, but this is a fantastic start.”
The $100 million grant from the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program will allow OCTA to address ongoing challenges facing the LOSSAN Rail Corridor, which has seen devastating damage due to climate change and coastal erosion. The funding will go towards track improvements along the Corridor and will help ensure its safety, stability, and reliability.
In addition to the $100 million FRA grant, Rep. Levin also secured $7.4 million in federal funding for the City of San Clemente to complete Phase II of the Army Corps’ San Clemente Shoreline Project. Phase I of the project, which was completed in May 2024, involved pumping 114,000 cubic yards of sand onto the beach in San Clemente, expanding it by up to 75 feet. Phase II is expected to add an additional approximately 86,000 cubic yards of sand to the beach. Upon its estimated completion at the end of November 2024, the project will support increased recreational opportunities for residents and visitors, benefit the environment, and increase the safety and stability of the coastal bluffs along the LOSSAN Rail Corridor.
This latest round of funding also marks $1.038 billion in total federal funding that Rep. Levin has secured for projects throughout the 49th Congressional District. That milestone includes $40 million in federal funding for the Encinitas-Solana Beach Sand Replenishment Project and Phase I of the San Clemente Sand Replenishment Project. It also includes $500,000 from the FRA’s Corridor ID program for the LOSSAN Corridor, and $53.8 million secured to replace the 108-year-old San Dieguito River Railway Bridge.
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