This week, I took a proactive role in addressing a significant fiscal challenge that has arisen in the ongoing San Clemente Shoreline Project. As an advocate for the environmental health and economic vitality of Orange County, I spearheaded a crucial initiative by leading a coalition of the Orange County Legislative Delegation in drafting a letter to two top U.S. Army officials. The letter, addressed to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Michael Connor and Chief of Engineers and Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, emphasizes the need for them to work with the City of San Clemente to resolve this challenging financial burden created by a new borrow site for sand.
In the letter, the State of California Elected Representatives urge a successful completion of the San Clemente Shoreline Project, an effort to bring new sand from the ocean as a way to replenish sand lost to coastal erosion and recent climate events. This effort not only protects the natural landscape but also bolsters local tourism, safeguards property values, and stimulates economic activities that are vital to our District.
The original project was put on hold because the identified offshore borrow site did not have the appropriate beach quality sand. Appreciatively, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified a new borrow site at Surfside-Sunset. However, this new borrow site bears a significant cost increase of approximately $2.5 million on top of the original amount of
$5,010, 923 to the City of San Clemente’s financial obligation. The new total is approximately $7,703, 231 which is a catastrophic hit to a city the size of San Clemente and its current budget.
San Clemente Mayor, Victor Cabral, acknowledged our work, saying “Their collective efforts are pivotal in addressing the unexpected rise in costs for the sand replenishment project, ensuring that the project does not impose an unsustainable financial burden on the local community.”
I am grateful to my colleagues for their support in an effort to resolve this matter. Our beaches are in desperate need of sand. Keeping our Orange County beaches vibrant with sand for all of Orange County’s residents and visitors is important for the environment and economy.
As the project progresses, I am committed to continuing to collaborate with both state and federal agencies. These efforts will be key to securing the necessary resources and support to successfully complete the shoreline enhancement, ensuring the long-term resilience and prosperity of San Clemente!
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This bi-partisan letter was signed by Senator Janet Nguyen, Senator Catherine Blakespear, Senator Josh Newman, Senator Dave Min, Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, Assemblymember Phillip Chen, Assemblymember Tri Ta and Assemblymember Kate Sanchez.
To read the full letter, please visit: https://ad74.asmrc.org/2024/04/16/final-oc-delegation-letter-to-army-corps/