In the wake of the tragic bluff collapse in Encinitas earlier this month that took the lives of three people, Senator Patricia Bates announced yesterday that she supports the efforts of U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, and U.S. Representative Mike Levin, to request the White House budget office approve funding that would help stabilize local bluffs.
In a separate letter, Senator Bates also asked the California Coastal Commission to take steps that will help stabilize California’s bluffs and save lives.
“ While there is no silver bullet in strengthening our coast against further erosion, I believe we should consider every option that can help ,” said Senator Bates .
In her letter to the Acting Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Senator Bates asked the director to “approve a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to fund the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project, also known as the San Diego County Shore Protection Project.”
The Army Corps in collaboration with the Encinitas and Solana Beach intend to implement a 50-year coastal storm damage reduction project.
The proposed project includes beach nourishment related activities (sand dredging, placement, and dispersal) to widen area beaches and reduce risks to public safety along the two shoreline segments.