Holistic Implementation of Adaptation and Transportation Resilience Strategies
In December 2021, SANDAG completed the Holistic Implementation of Adaptation and Transportation Resilience Strategies (HIATRS) project to support local jurisdictions transitioning from planning to implementing their climate change mitigation and adaptation work. The project resulted in the following resources to assist local planning staff, practitioners, and decision-makers as they implement climate adaptation strategies:
- Prioritization Tool and Guidebook: A methodology and toolkit to help local jurisdictions prioritize implementation of adaptation and transportation resilience strategies
- Equity-First Approach to Climate Adaptation Guidance: Provides resources for local jurisdictions to ensure that adaptation measures are equitable for all in their communities
- Economic Guidance for Climate Adaptation: Provides guidance to help local jurisdictions consider the economic implications of adaptation strategies
Regional Adaptation Needs Assessment
In 2018, SANDAG was awarded a Caltrans SB 1 Adaptation Planning Grant to prepare a Regional Adaptation Needs Assessment (NA). The NA was completed in 2020 and identified planning needs and opportunities, and advanced coordination across adaptation projects throughout the region. The project team was SANDAG, the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, and The San Diego Foundation. The project included a Transportation Infrastructure Risk Assessment using the FHWA’s VAST pilot study to support analysis of the sea level rise project described in the Coastal Hazards section.
Carbon Sequestration
In March 2022, SANDAG completed the San Diego County Carbon Storage and Sequestration Study that evaluates the historical and projected carbon storage and sequestration of the natural and working lands throughout the County. This study was funded through a grant from the California Department of Conservation (DOC) to understand the impacts of land use and land cover change on carbon storage to aid in planning and policy development for the region.
Sea Level Rise Assessment
To inform the North Coast Corridor Program, SANDAG and Caltrans commissioned the San Diego Region Coastal Sea Level Rise Analysis Report. This report describes future scenarios for sea level rise along the region’s coastline based on the latest and most relevant scientific reports and guidance. It offers design water level guidance for local projects, an adaptive management strategy, and general conclusions and recommendations for construction along the North Coast Corridor.
In 2017, SANDAG was awarded a Caltrans’ SB1 Adaptation Planning Grant Program to prepare the Regional Transportation Infrastructure Sea Level Rise Assessment and Adaptation Guidance (Adaptation Guidance). This project analyzes potential sea level rise impacts to transportation facilities such as highways, bikeways, trails, light and heavy rail, that cross jurisdictional lines. In addition, the Adaptation Guidance includes a compilation of adaptation policies, projects, and funding opportunities that are relevant to the San Diego region.
Military Installation Resilience
SANDAG and Navy Region Southwest are working collaboratively with our regional stakeholder partners to identify and address climate change impacts that could affect the resiliency of local naval installations and harm efforts to remain mission ready. With support from grants awarded by the Department of Defense Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, we have identified three major transportation corridors at the highest risk of climate change impacts and have high strategic importance for Navy mission readiness. These corridors are:
- SR 75 and SR 282 in the cities of San Diego and Coronado
- Harbor Drive in the City of San Diego
- Pacific Coast Highway in the City of San Diego
During Phase 1 of the grant, SANDAG and the Navy worked with project team stakeholders to complete an initial assessment of the climate change threats to military installations and surrounding transportation assets. During Phase 2, specific climate adaptation actions will be identified along the corridors, while data analyzed on military travel behavior will inform the development of mitigation strategies and infrastructure projects for the entire region.
