The following entities are involved in this project:

• The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG): Project lead responsible for executing study

• Caltrans: Oversees grant allocation

• Mendocino County Department of Transportation (MCDOT): Responsible for the maintenance and operation of County maintained infrastructure

• Terraphase Engineering: Engineering firm and lead technical consultant

• Alta Planning + Design (Alta): Sustainable transportation engineering firm

• Craig Communications: Public outreach consulting firm responsible for stakeholder engagement

• University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE Mendocino – Water and Climate Program): Local entity assisting with community engagement implementation

• Technical Advisory Group (TAG): Advisory panel that will provide support and technical advice, advocate for member priorities and support outreach; composed of MCOG, MCDOT, the California Coastal Commission, Caltrans, City of Fort Bragg, and Terraphase

This study will identify and prioritize coastal roadways in Mendocino County that are at risk due to sea level rise (SLR), flooding, erosion and other climate-related impacts. It will explore and evaluate potential strategies to protect or adapt these roads to maintain access and safety for local communities and provide a recommended adaptation approach for each selected roadway.

Many of Mendocino County’s roadways run through narrow valleys and along the coastline. These routes are critical for daily travel, emergency response and access to coastal communities. Rising sea levels and more frequent storm events are already beginning to impact these roads, and this study will help plan for long-term solutions.

The study includes Mendocino County and city-managed roadway infrastructure near the coast that could be affected by sea level rise, including local roads and access routes used by residents, emergency services and businesses. The study does not include private roadways or state highways.

No. Due to limited grant funding, the study will narrow an initial list of potential sites down to five priority locations for more detailed analysis and planning. These five sites will be selected based on climate vulnerability, engineering feasibility, community impact, and other factors.

Yes, we welcome community feedback. If there is a road that you think would be a good candidate for evaluation, please email info@MendocinoSLRstudy.org. Please include photos and as much specific information as you can on the location and your concerns about your proposed location.

Please note that just because a road is recommended for consideration does not mean it will become one of the five sites selected for further analysis. However, it is still helpful for us to include as a possible site for future planning efforts.

Adaptation strategies may include elevating or realigning roads, improving drainage, adding shoreline protections or identifying and developing alternate routes.

We encourage you to use the Contact Us page to be added to our project contact list so you can stay informed as the project progresses.