CALIFORNIA — Cities, counties and other public agencies confronting eroding beaches and unstable shorelines have a new opportunity to seek state assistance. California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways announced on November 5, 2026, that it is accepting letters of intent for its 2028–29 Shoreline Erosion Control and Public Beach Restoration grant programs.

Who can submit a proposal?

The invitation is aimed at public agencies with projects along California’s ocean and bay shorelines. Eligible project activities may include feasibility and engineering studies, permits, construction and monitoring after construction. The shoreline program focuses on protecting developed waterfront areas from erosion; the beach restoration program supports targeted placement of sand on eroded beaches.

The deadline for letters of intent is December 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific time. This is the first selection stage, not the deadline for a full grant application. The division says it will invite only agencies whose proposed projects align strongly with priorities such as public safety and protection of public infrastructure.

Does the announcement guarantee money?

No. Funding levels for this cycle have not yet been determined; individual projects will be considered through the state budget process. State Parks says competitive proposals typically show substantial federal cost-sharing and long-term statewide benefits. Agencies that eventually secure funding are expected to receive notification of available amounts by July 2028.

For coastal communities—from San Diego and Orange counties to the Central Coast and northern California—the announcement provides a practical opportunity to move documented shoreline problems toward engineered solutions. It is not, by itself, a promise that every beach repair or local road project will be financed.

Public agencies can consult the official November 5 grant announcement and contact program manager Casey Caldwell using the details provided there. Residents can ask their city or county public works departments whether a local project is under consideration.

INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM ACROSS CALIFORNIA

Support independent journalism for all Californians

Support reporting, public information and community coverage across California’s 58 counties.

Donate once by card ↗
Support independent California journalism Your contribution helps build and sustain independent community reporting across California.
Support California58

Choose how to support California58:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

USEFUL SERVICES

Useful services from our ecosystem

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

Travel smarter worldwide

OptionTrip

AI-powered trip planning for journeys in California and around the world.

Explore OptionTrip →

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

Free tax & property tools

TaxesTime

Free preliminary tax and property tools, including the Property Tax Savings Report.

Explore TaxesTime →

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

California document support

LegalDocSVC

Document preparation support for self-represented Californians. Not a law firm and not legal advice.

Explore LegalDocSVC →

WORK WITH CALIFORNIA58

Have a story, project or partnership idea?

California58 welcomes news tips, interviews, video projects, community partnerships, advertising and other California-focused collaborations.

Work with California58 →