Subject
title
Cooperative Agreement with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority for Storm Response
overview
Overview
In early summer 2026, large ocean swells, known as king tides, reached the Southern California coastline and damaged the railroad embankment along the coastal rail corridor in the City of San Clemente. The damage from wave activity was further amplified by Hurricane Marie in September 2026, and emergency action was taken in response and reported to the California Coastal Commission. Combined with anticipated El Niño conditions, these events highlight the increased potential for additional damage, including coastal erosion, wave overtopping of the tracks, and undermining the railroad embankment.
A cooperative agreement with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority is necessary to establish the respective responsibilities of both agencies and provide funding in the amount of $19,000,000 for ongoing and future activities required to protect the coastal rail corridor.
recommendation
Recommendation(s)
Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate and execute Cooperative Agreement No. C265240 with the Southern California Regional Rail Authority in an amount not to exceed $19,000,000 to support coastal rail protection and emergency response activities.