11-04-2025
Oceanside awarded $1.8M grant to advance coastal RE:BEACH project
(Above: Report by Dan Plante on Nov. 21, 2024)
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — In a major win for Oceanside's coastal restoration efforts, the California Coastal Commission has unanimously approved a $1.8 million grant to support the city's ambitious RE:BEACH Oceanside project and broader shoreline management initiatives.
The grant, approved on April 9, will fund a baseline monitoring initiative to better understand current coastal conditions, as well as guide the city's efforts to combat beach erosion and sea level rise, city officials explained. The move marks a significant step in advancing Oceanside's long-term coastal resilience strategy.
'This grant from the Coastal Commission is a critical step that brings us closer to realizing the ambition and vision of our city's residents,' said Jayme Timberlake, Coastal Zone Administrator for the city. 'Through our RE:BEACH initiative, we have closely partnered with the community to find the best solution to our coastal challenges.'
RELATED: SANDAG plans $260M project to restore San Diego beaches
At the heart of the project is an innovative pilot plan designed by the Australian firm ICM and led locally by engineers at GHD.
The RE:BEACH Oceanside design proposes the construction of two artificial headlands and one offshore artificial reef, paired with the addition of approximately 900,000 cubic yards of sand to stabilize and nourish the shoreline.
These structures, as explained by the city, are intended to slow down erosive forces and enhance sand retention, addressing the significant beach loss Oceanside has experienced over the past decade.
Kelsey Ducklow, Coastal Resilience Coordinator for the California Coastal Commission, praised the city's forward-thinking approach, stating, 'By investing in robust monitoring of shoreline conditions and taking a first step in updating the city's LCP [Local Coastal Program] to address sea level rise, Oceanside will be better equipped to make science-based decisions that protect its coast for future generations.'
RELATED: Oceanside City Council approves location for RE:BEACH pilot project
City Manager Jonathan Borrego also expressed gratitude for the commission's support, emphasizing the importance of preserving public access to sandy beaches. He said, 'We are proud to be a leader among California's coastal communities in identifying and implementing world-class solutions.'
The RE:BEACH Oceanside project is the product of an international design competition launched by the city in collaboration with GHD and Resilient Cities Catalyst. The initiative brought together global coastal experts and local residents to co-design a solution that balances environmental protection with public beach access.
With funding now in place, Oceanside is set to begin work on restoring its beaches and ensuring a resilient coastline for generations to come.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
