Assemblywoman Laurie Davies Announces $125 Million State Grant For Sand Replenishment And Coastal Resiliency Efforts

Davies Requested Grant that Funds Immediate Efforts to Strengthen District’s Rail Corridor in Advance of Rainy Season

Assemblywoman Laurie Davies joined fellow legislators and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) in accepting a $125 million grant from the California Transportation Agency for their Coastal Rail Infrastructure Resiliency Project. The funding will be used to protect the LOSSAN rail corridor and prevent future emergency track closures and service disruptions along 7 miles of coastal rail in San Clemente.

“I am always happy to assist with securing state funding on behalf of preserving much needed transportation along our region’s coastline,” stated Davies. “Ensuring the longevity and resiliency of our coastal rail infrastructure has been one of my highest priorities in the legislature.”

Last year Davies collaborated with OCTA to request funding to evaluate strategies to ensure uninterrupted rail operations in Southern Orange County in the short and medium term. Rail service was shut down for more than ten months in a two and a half year period as a result of significant rain events.

Davies also partnered with Senator Catherine Blakespear on SB 1098, which was signed into law by Governor Newsom. The much needed legislation will finally require the state to come up with a long-term strategy on how to maintain the resiliency and efficiency of the rail, specifically along the coastline, for years to come while at the same time protecting our environment.

“Our shoreline is one of our greatest natural resources,” added Davies. We need to preserve it while protecting the vital train line. I will remain engaged and work with all local leaders to ensure we bring more funding to our area to secure a future for the rail, its millions of annual passengers and the local economy that depends on it.”

See the full story: https://www.thevistapress.com/assemblywoman-laurie-davies-announces-125-million-state-grant-for-sand-replenishment-and-coastal-resiliency-efforts/