CITY OF PACIFICA
COUNCIL AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
3/24/2025
1 SUBJECT:
Authorize the Submittal of a Grant Application to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways for the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Adopt the resolution entitled "Resolution of the City Council of the City of Pacifica Authorizing the Submittal of Grant Applications to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways for the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project.” STAFF CONTACT:
Roland Yip, P.E., DPW Deputy Director/City Engineer
(650) 738-3771
[email protected]
Louis Sun, P.E., Interim DPW Director
(650) 738-4660
[email protected]
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project (BBIRP) will replace Pacifica's failing seawall with a deep-foundation seawall, rock scour apron, and sand placement to protect critical infrastructure from coastal erosion and storm surges. The project includes four phases: (1) Feasibility & Alternatives Analysis (Completed), (2) Design, Environmental Review & Permitting (Ongoing), (3) Construction, and (4) Post-Construction Monitoring & Maintenance. Once completed, BBIRP will safeguard Beach Boulevard, stormwater and sewer systems, utilities, and public amenities, ensuring long-term coastal resilience, public safety, and economic stability for Pacifica.
The BBIRP is a multi-phase City led project that aims to create a multi-benefit solution to the Beach Boulevard corridor in historic West Sharp Park. The Beach Boulevard Seawall and Promenade spans from just north of Paloma Drive to the southern terminus near Clarendon Road and the Sharp Park levee. Since the construction of the seawalls, there have been numerous failures of the north wall. During times of high tides and big swells, wave action overtops the seawall sending water clear across Beach Boulevard, affecting public safety by causing road closures, localized flooding, and property damage. With the frequency and magnitude of failures increasing, combined with sea level rise outlook, it appeared critical to begin planning for replacement and adaptation of this area, which may include the reconstruction of the promenade area.
The City has been working to advance the BBIRP project, with a more recent action of the Council occurring on November 28, 2022, when the City Council approved an amendment with GHD, Inc. (coastal engineers) to begin the second phase of the project. More specifically, the approval was for the first subphase of Phase 2, titled Phase 2a - preliminary project design. The subphase began the preliminary design of the hybrid concept approved by the City Council on Pacifica City Council 2
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June 9, 2021, following public input that included a seawall, rock scour apron, and beach nourishment. Phase 2a advanced the shoreline protection concept, approved by City Council in Phase 1, through preliminary design development resulting in a well-defined Project supported with analyses, drawings, and visualizations suitable for community outreach meetings to share information on the Project and solicit feedback on specific Project features. The City anticipates completing Phase 2a by the end of the year.
On March 28, 2024, the City Council authorized the submittal of an application to California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) for Phase 2b, the environmental documentation phase. The DBW fiscal year 2025/26 applications are still being reviewed under their budget process and finalized budgets will be done by June of this year.
The City of Pacifica is applying for a grant of $2.5M to fund ongoing efforts in Phase 2c:
Permitting and Final Design of the BBIRP. This includes completing 100% Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E), and securing regulatory permits.
The DBW is accepting grant applications for the Waterways Shoreline Erosion Control for potential funding in the State’s fiscal year 2026/27 budget. The Shoreline Erosion Control Program assists in the planning and construction of all types of beach erosion control and shoreline stabilization measures, including hard structures like seawalls. This program is authorized in statute by Harbors and Navigation Code sections 65-67.4 and can fund up to 50 percent of nonfederal project costs. City required matching funds are discussed in the Fiscal Impact section of this report. A resolution authorizing the submittal of the application by the City Council is required by DBW.
The City Manager recommends the Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submittal of an application to the California State Parks Division Department Boating and Waterways Shoreline Erosion Control.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Council may choose not to adopt the resolution. However, not doing so will make the City ineligible to receive California State Parks Division Department of Boating funds. Staff does not recommend this alternative action.
RELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND WORK PLAN:
• Improve and steward City infrastructure, streets, and facilities: Adopting the resolution will make the funds available to progress the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adopting the resolution commits the City to provide the required matching funds of $1,250,000 for the Shoreline Erosion Control Program, should the grant be received. The City's matching funds would come from the Disaster Accounting Fund (Fund 38).
ORIGINATED BY:
Public Works
Pacifica City Council 3
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ATTACHMENT LIST:
Pacifica City Council 4
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RESOLUTION NO. ________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PACIFICA AUTHORIZING THE
SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATIONS TO THE CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS DIVISION
OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS FOR THE BEACH BOULEVARD INFRASTRUCTURE
RESILIENCY PROJECT
WHEREAS, Sections 65 through 67.4 of the Harbors and Navigation Code authorize the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to do the following: study erosion problems; act as shore protection advisor to all agencies of government; and plan, design and construct protective works when funds are provided by the Legislature. In addition, Sections 69.5-69.9 of the Harbors and Navigation Code authorize DBW to pursue and promote federal and local partnerships to restore, enhance, and nourish publicly owned beaches through the cost-effective engineered placement of sand on the beach or in the nearshore environment; and
WHEREAS, DBW is accepting grant applications for shoreline erosion control projects; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pacifica began the Beach Boulevard Infrastructure Resiliency Project (BBIRP) for coastline protection by seeking funding to complete appropriate studies, design, and environmental review; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of these grants is to protect essential public infrastructure along the City’s shoreline.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pacifica formally approves the submittal of application for grant funding from DBW for the BBIRP project. • • • • •
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Pacifica, California, held on the 24th day of March 2025, by the following vote:
AYES, Councilmembers:
NOES, Councilmembers:
ABSENT, Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
_________________________________
Sue Beckmeyer, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________ _________________________________ Sarah Coffey, City Clerk Michelle Kenyon, City Attorney