By Karen Robes Meeks
Efforts to improve the Embarcadero Seawall recently received a financial boost with the help of California lawmakers.
Sponsored by the Port of San Francisco and co-authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), Assembly Bill 2578 would let the city dedicate the school’s share of tax increment to the port’s infrastructure financing district and use it for shoreline improvements.
The bill would give the state the means to fund the Seawall Earthquake Safety Program and produce an estimated $55 million in the program’s first decade and an estimate of $250 million during the program’s lifetime.
“Our seawall is disintegrating, which is a danger for our city’s safety and economy, especially as sea levels rise due to climate change,” Wiener said. “Restoring and strengthening San Francisco’s seawall is going to take partnership from local, state, and federal leaders, and I’m proud to be joining Assemblymember Chiu to move this bill forward to help protect our waterfront.”
Sea level rise and earthquakes are real threats to San Francisco’s waterfront, Chiu said.
“Strengthening the Embarcadero Seawall will safeguard us against potential flooding that threatens the future of our city and region,” Chiu said. “While the federal government only talks about infrastructure, the State of California can be a partner as we work together the rebuild this crucial asset.”
Friday, March 30, 2018
