UPDATE: The Tiburon Town Council has just approved a crucial $593,877 contract with engineering firm Moffat and Nichols for a comprehensive sea level rise vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan. This decision comes on the heels of severe flooding as stormwaters receded Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for effective flood prevention strategies.
Mayor Holli Thier emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It’s absolutely essential that we create a good plan on how to prevent flooding and other things with sea level rise.” The contract is fully funded by a grant from the California Ocean Protection Council, awarded in June to support the creation of this vital plan.
The adaptation project will focus on key areas at risk, including the entrance to downtown Tiburon, the downtown area itself, Blackie’s Pasture, and Greenwood Cove. Each of these zones is prone to flooding or faces significant threats from rising sea levels. Grace Ledwith, the town’s climate official, noted, “These are areas we really want to focus on in this planning process… to support not only prevention of flooding but also community members.”
This initiative is particularly timely, as Senate Bill 272 mandates that all municipalities in coastal zones develop sea level rise plans by 2034. Local governments can also seek additional funding through the SB 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan Grant Program to further bolster their efforts.
Town Manager Greg Chanis highlighted Tiburon’s advantageous position, stating that extensive prior assessments have laid the groundwork for this process. “The majority of the data is already there,” he explained, allowing Moffat and Nichols to synthesize existing research into a targeted adaptation strategy.
For the first time, this assessment will directly address the specific needs and concerns of Tiburon residents. Once the initial review of data concludes, project managers will craft the vulnerability assessment, develop the adaptation plan, and select appropriate strategies. The completed plan is projected to be ready for full review by 2027.
Chanis reiterated the critical nature of this project, stating, “Understanding the vulnerabilities presented by sea level rise but also the potential actions the town could take are equally important.” As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent, this proactive approach positions Tiburon as a leader in coastal resilience planning.
Residents are urged to remain informed and engaged as this project progresses, given its potential to significantly enhance community safety and sustainability in the face of rising sea levels. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
