South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project Celebrates Milestone

A wealthy region of the Bay Area that is home to the world’s most profitable companies yet on the frontline of threatened sea level rise has been given reassurance by the Army Corps of Engineers and California’s senior senator that help is on the way.

Ten years in the making, the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project is moving forward now that the federal government has approved more than $177 million in assistance to bolster dikes and restore habitat in an area that is partly below sea level and prone to flooding.

With that assistance now assured, the Corps’ San Francisco District will begin work on providing flood protection for a densely populated region along the South San Francisco Bay while embarking on what will be the largest wetland restoration project west of the Mississippi.

Partnering with USACE are the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the California Coastal Conservancy as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

When complete, the project will safeguard homes and businesses along the South Bay by restoring four miles levees as well as some 2,800 acres of tidal marsh along with creating improved access for recreation.