Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 2

Purpose

OPC’s SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program (SB 1 Grant Program) provides funding for coastal communities to develop sea level rise adaptation plans (Track 1) and implement nature-based adaptation projects (Track 2) to build resilience to sea level rise along the California coast and San Francisco Bay. Track 2 focuses on implementing priority, nature-based sea level rise adaptation projects identified through local planning efforts.

Description

The SB 1 Grant Program – Track 2 provides competitive grant funding for nature-based sea level rise (SLR) adaptation projects along the California coast and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Track 2 is intended for jurisdictions that have completed, or are actively advancing, SLR adaptation planning and are ready to implement priority projects. Eligible projects must be identified as a priority in a completed or in-progress SLR adaptation plan, coastal resilience plan, or comparable land-use planning effort. Projects located in jurisdictions currently developing SLR plans (e.g., to comply with SB 272) must demonstrate alignment and coordination with that planning effort. An exception may be considered, on a case-by-case basis, for strategic relocation projects. Track 2 exclusively funds nature-based adaptation projects, defined as projects that rely on natural or mostly natural features to enhance coastal processes, ecosystem function, and long-term resilience while protecting inland areas. Hybrid green-gray designs may be considered where limited gray infrastructure is clearly justified and incorporated in a manner that minimizes environmental impacts. Projects that rely primarily on gray infrastructure (e.g., seawalls, revetments, shoreline armoring) or that are solely research or monitoring efforts are not eligible. Applicants may request funding for the following project types: Site Assessment and Preliminary Design, including site evaluation, feasibility studies, baseline data collection, stakeholder engagement, and preliminary project design; Final Design and Permitting, including final engineering design, environmental planning, permitting, and detailed cost estimates; and Construction for shovel-ready projects with completed designs, required permits, and site control. Track 2 prioritizes projects that protect or restore coastal habitats, reduce coastal hazard risk to communities and critical infrastructure, maintain public access, build resilience of public trust resources, and provide multiple co-benefits. Consistent with Proposition 4, priority is given to projects that deliver meaningful and direct benefits to vulnerable populations, disadvantaged communities (DAC), and severely disadvantaged communities (SDAC). Tribal consultation and partnerships with California Native American tribes are strongly encouraged. For Round 1, approximately $7 million is anticipated to be available, with typical awards expected to range from $500,000 to $2,500,000. The maximum project length is three years. Track 2 uses a Letter of Intent (LOI) process. Applicants must submit a completed LOI by the posted deadline for initial eligibility and programmatic review. LOIs are evaluated to determine project eligibility, alignment with solicitation priorities, and readiness for implementation. Only applicants invited by OPC following LOI review may submit a full proposal. Detailed LOI requirements, templates, and submission instructions are available on the SB 1 Funding webpage. Keywordssea level rise; SLR; coastal resilience; coastal adaptation; nature-based adaptation; nature-based solutions; living shoreline