Port and Army Corps Release Draft Waterfront Flood Study; Plan Estimates $13.5 Billion, Seeks Federal Share

SAN FRANCISCO — Port and Planning Department staff on March 14 briefed the San Francisco Planning Commission on the draft Coastal Waterfront Flood Study, a joint Port–U.S. Army Corps of Engineers feasibility analysis that proposes a phased program of seawalls, elevated wharves, levees and nature-based features to protect 7.5 miles of the city’s eastern shoreline.

Adam Barrett, deputy program manager for the Port’s Waterfront Resilience Program, told commissioners the draft plan identifies "an initial proposal that is estimated to cost $13,500,000,000," and said "the Federal Government would pay up to 65% of this cost" only if Congress authorizes and appropriates funding. Barrett characterized the estimate as a high-level, class‑5 figure that will change as detailed design work proceeds.

Barrett said modeling indicates the city could see as many as 500 structures vulnerable to coastal flooding by midcentury and, under longer-term scenarios, "up to $23,000,000,000 in damages in today's dollars" by the end of the study period (2140). He…