Caltrans adaptation plan raises infrastructure concerns; Army Corps feasibility study funding cited for shoreline protection

A director told the board that Caltrans published a 'surfer adaptation' concepts plan that includes three alternatives for State Route 1 in the Moss Beach/Wilkinson School area; one preferred option would move the highway onto part of GCSD‑owned property that staff has been planning for a park. The director said GCSD submitted comments to Caltrans, invited staff to present to the district and that Caltrans plans outreach between March and June with construction projected between 2030 and 2034 under some alternatives.

Shonda Singh, senior transportation planner for San Mateo County, asked residents and stakeholders to sign up for project updates for the Moss Beach State Route 1 Congestion and Safety Improvements Project and noted an upcoming draft environmental document and public meeting later in the spring.

Separately, a director reported that a New START appropriation in the House would fund a roughly $50,000 Army Corps feasibility study to determine whether there is a federal interest in long‑term shoreline protection for the SAM service area. The director said the measure must clear both chambers and be signed by the president (speaker cited a Jan. 30 timeline) before the Corps proceeds with site visits and detailed scoping. Board members emphasized close engagement in scoping to ensure shoreline, estuary and sewer infrastructure impacts are included.

Directors said they would invite Caltrans and other partners to present and coordinate with the Coastal Conservancy and technical consultants to ensure comprehensive evaluation if the federal study advances.