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Borderfield Monument Road realignment moves toward EIR and construction start in 2027, officials say
Summary
State Parks described a long-running effort to realign Monument Road at Borderfield State Park to restore safe access; staff said an environmental impact report is expected by year'end and construction could begin in 2027, though agencies cautioned cross-border flows and permitting remain risks.
California State Parks told the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 it has finalized a permitting and engineering approach for the Monument Road Realignment Project at Borderfield State Park and expects to complete an environmental impact report (EIR) by the end of the year, with construction anticipated to start in 2027.
The department's presentation explained that chronic flooding, cross-border sewage flows and environmental constraints have blocked safe access to Borderfield State Park, a 760-acre unit adjacent to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. A realignment of Monument Road aims to move the main access outside the most flood-prone area, restore day-use and interpretive elements, and decommission and restore the old road segments.
State Parks staff said extensive studies were required for soils, hydrology and biological resources and that some studies were repeated while designs evolved. The project team expects to complete an EIR this calendar year and to begin construction in 2027, with a construction timeline that could take up to two years depending on mobilization and permitting. The department presented a $1 million working-drawings request for Monument Mesa day-use and interpretive-area upgrades as part of the governor's capital outlay proposal.
Lawmakers and community members expressed impatience over delays. Assemblymember Alvarez characterized the decade-long timeline as "too long" for a project that restores coastal access and pressed the department for specifics on what studies are completed, why multiple studies were necessary and how the work could be expedited. Parks staff explained design iterations were needed to respond to engineering constraints, environmental protections and access limitations; they also emphasized recent coordination with permitting agencies to streamline review.
Agency staff said permitting remains a risk, including coordination with federal and state resource agencies and the Coastal Commission, and that ongoing cross-border wastewater management efforts affect the project timeline. State Parks committed to early public outreach (a public meeting was scheduled as part of the EIR process) and to provide committee staff with additional project documentation and schedules.
Friends of Friendship Park and other local advocates testified in support of timely improvements and said the community wants restored access and interpretive facilities.
