Assembly Member David Chiu (D-San Francisco), in collaboration with State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell and other community leaders recently announced new state legislation aimed to provide funding for improvements to the Embarcadero Seawall along the San Francisco waterfront.
Assembly Bill 2578 would generate an estimated $55 million in the first ten years and approximately $250 million over the span of the effort. The funding would be used to contribute to the Seawall Earthquake Safety Program. San Francisco currently has the authority to form Infrastructure Financing Districts. This bill will permit the city to channel the schools’ share of tax increment to the Port’s infrastructure financing district and authorize it to be used for shoreline improvements.
“Sea level rise and earthquakes are real threats to San Francisco’s waterfront,” said Assembly Member Chiu. “Strengthening the Embarcadero Seawall will safeguard us against potential flooding that threatens the future of our city and region. 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.”
“Our seawall is disintegrating, which is a danger for our city’s safety and economy, especially as sea levels rise due to climate change,” said Senator Wiener. “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 Assembly Member Chiu to move this bill forward to help protect our waterfront.”