Roadway Impact &
Adaptation Study
A critical evaluation of State Route 1 and coastal infrastructure vulnerability under 21st-century sea level rise projections.
Client Profile: Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG)
The Mendocino Council of Governments (MCOG) serves as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Mendocino County. As the awarding body for this contract, MCOG is responsible for coordinating transportation planning across seven incorporated cities and the unincorporated county areas. MCOG operates under the guidance of a Board of Directors representing local jurisdictions and is tasked with ensuring the long-term viability of the region's transportation network.
In response to escalating climate threats, MCOG has initiated the "Sea Level Rise Roadway Impact and Adaptation Study." This project is funded through the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, specifically a Sustainable Communities Grant. The study focuses on State Route 1 (SR 1) and connecting local roadways that are vital for coastal access, emergency services, and economic stability.
- Strategic Objective: The primary goal is to identify and prioritize segments of the roadway network vulnerable to sea level rise (SLR) and related coastal hazards such as storm surges and erosion. The study aims to move beyond high-level vulnerability assessments to develop actionable, site-specific adaptation strategies and cost estimates for long-term resilience.
- Coastal Geography: Mendocino County's coastline is characterized by dramatic bluffs, river estuaries, and low-lying coastal plains. SR 1 is the sole north-south arterial for many communities, making its protection a matter of regional security and economic necessity.
- Institutional Collaboration: MCOG will work closely with a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) comprising representatives from Caltrans District 1, the California Coastal Commission, the County of Mendocino, and local Tribal governments. This collaborative framework ensures that the study aligns with state-level climate goals and local community needs.
Scope of Technical Services
The project is structured into six distinct tasks, requiring a multidisciplinary team with expertise in GIS modeling, coastal engineering, transportation planning, and community outreach.
Task 1: Project Management and Coordination
Successful management involves monthly progress reports, regular coordination with MCOG staff, and the facilitation of Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings. This task ensures the project remains on schedule for its June 2025 completion date.
Task 2: Background Research and Data Compilation
The consultant must synthesize existing climate assessments, including the Caltrans District 1 Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Mendocino County Local Coastal Program (LCP) updates. This includes identifying data gaps in current GIS layers and hazard mapping.
Task 3: Stakeholder and Community Outreach
A robust outreach plan is required, targeting coastal residents, business owners, and Tribal stakeholders. Outreach must include at least two public workshops and targeted engagement with disadvantaged communities (DACs) to ensure equitable adaptation planning.
Task 4: Coastal Vulnerability & Risk Analysis
This core technical task involves high-resolution mapping of SLR impacts (using 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 6.6-foot scenarios) on roadway infrastructure. Analysis must account for permanent inundation, cliff retreat, and periodic flooding during king tides and storm events.
Task 5: Adaptation Strategies & Multi-Criteria Assessment
Consultants will develop a suite of adaptation options (e.g., relocation, nature-based solutions, structural armoring). Each option will be evaluated using a Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) framework considering cost, environmental impact, and community preference.
Task 6: Final Study and Presentation
The final deliverable is a comprehensive report including a Prioritized Action Plan, conceptual design recommendations, and a presentation to the MCOG Board of Directors.
Technical Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are evaluated by a selection committee based on the following weighted criteria (100-point scale):
Technical expertise of the firm and specific project manager in coastal resilience and transportation planning.
Depth of understanding regarding Mendocino's unique coastal challenges and the regulatory environment (Coastal Act).
The quality and logic of the proposed work plan, GIS methodology, and outreach strategies.
Efficiency of the budget allocation (not to exceed $150k) and the realism of the proposed timeline.
Technical Glossary
MCOG (Mendocino Council of Governments)
The Regional Transportation Planning Agency (RTPA) for Mendocino County, acting as the lead agency for this study.
SLR (Sea Level Rise)
The projected rise in ocean levels due to climate change, modeled in this study up to 6.6 feet by 2100.
MCA (Multi-Criteria Assessment)
A decision-making tool used to rank adaptation options based on disparate factors like cost, environment, and equity.
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)
The project has a 1.25% DBE participation goal as per Caltrans/Federal requirements.
RTPA
Regional Transportation Planning Agency; a state designation for agencies like MCOG responsible for regional transit planning.