Climate Adaptation
Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Transportation Priorities Report (CAVA)
About
The RTC, the County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development & Infrastructure and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resiliency are partnering to develop a Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Transportation Priorities Report (CAVA) for unincorporated Santa Cruz County maintained roads and the entirety of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line (SCBRL). The hazards brought on by climate change pose a serious threat to the county’s transportation infrastructure and thus the safety and quality of life of its residents.
The emphasis of the vulnerability assessment will be on identifying transportation infrastructure assets in the county that may be particularly vulnerable to climate hazards, and developing a prioritization list to identify the order in which those assets should undergo detailed assessments for climate resilience actions and implementation.
Climate change impacts are increasing at an alarming rate. How we respond to and proactively address the impacts of climate change on the transportation network so that challenges can be mitigated will have a profound impact on county residents.
Public Workshops for Milestone 2: Climate Hazard Modeling Results and review of Draft Prioritization
The CAVA project team hosted two evening workshops in south and north county on June 11th and 12th to present maps showing how County and Branch Rail Line Transportation assets such as roads, bridges, and culverts will be most impacted by future storms and wildfires. This was an opportunity for the community to see and provide input on draft maps showing the order in which the assets will be adapted and updated to be more resilient to climate change accelerated natural disasters.
Project Highlights
- Project will determine the transportation infrastructure in Santa Cruz County that may be vulnerable to climate hazards
- Project will provide a priority list of transportation projects in the unincorporated county and on the SCBRL for taking next steps in identifying actions for climate resilience and implementation
- Prioritization metrics will consider severity of climate hazards as well as how critical the asset is to the functioning of the transportation network
- Identify both state and federal funding sources for prioritized climate adaptation projects
- Engage local stakeholders and members of the public for input on project prioritization
- Emphasis of prioritization is on environmental justice and vulnerable populations
Project Milestones
There are three milestones where there will be outreach to stakeholders and the public to ensure awareness, education, and input is sought at key points during the process. Milestone 2 public outreach began in June 2024.
- Draft Project Framework - Identify the list of hazards, assets and methodology for prioritization
- Draft Project Prioritization - Perform vulnerability assessment & determine project priority list
- Release of Draft CAVA Project Report - Solicit input on the draft report to be considered for the final report
Public Workshops
Community Workshops for Milestone 2: Vulnerability Analysis and Draft Prioritization were held on June 11, 2024 and June 12, 2024. Meeting materials for the Milestone 1 October 2023 public workshops are provided below.
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