The working group met to discuss a proposed phasing plan for construction of the Surfers' Point project. The "Managed Shoreline Retreat Project" calls for relocation of the coastal bike path and parking lot and construction of a cobble berm to protect the shoreline. Sand dunes will be constructed and vegetated on top of the cobble.
According to the draft plan presented, this first phase of construction would remove the upper (western) portion of the damaged parking lot and construct the cobble berm, re-route the bike path and interim fairgrounds maintenance road, install stormwater clarifier, and maintain current parking and beach access. Sand dune restoration is not included in this plan, although several working group members felt it would be beneficial to try to complete this portion of the project.
If all goes well, construction would begin in the fall of 2009. The phasing plan is intended to use the $3 million currently on hand, before $1.5M in Federal funding expires. The phasing plan will be discussed by the fairgrounds staff and be subject to board approval, as agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the city and fairgrounds. (The MOU still requires ratification by the State Attorney General)
As this represents about 6 months of construction work, it would make sense to phase the project in this manner even if all the money was available - the conditions imposed with the Coastal Commission permit require construction after labor day and before memorial day to avoid the summer beach season and the Ventura County Fair.
More funding will be required to complete the project, including constructing the Low Impact Development (LID) parking lot. The City is pursuing other grant funding opportunities, and will be applying for another $1M state grant through the Prop84 River Parkway program. Letters of support for this grant should be coordinated through project manager Rick Raives rraives@ci.ventura.ca.us
