The Board of Supervisors says a proposal to build ‘living shorelines’ will help save the county’s beaches from erosion as coastal storms grow stronger.

A newly approved coastal resiliency plan aims to protect Los Angeles County beaches by reusing sediment from flood control channels to ‘augment’ narrowing shorelines and create “hybrid shoreline devices that combine manmade materials with natural elements to lessen the impact of waves that cause erosion.”
As Steve Scauzillo explains in the Los Angeles Daily News, the devices “create a berm with cobble rocks as a base, and are filled in and topped with sand and native vegetation to secure the existing shoreline.” The county hopes it can secure state and federal grants to fund these efforts.
According to the motion approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors, “The county’s beaches are more than just cultural touchstones: They provide a critical public resource to residents seeking respite from extreme heat, access to the water and nature, and recreational opportunities.”
FULL STORY: Plan to replace beach sand, build ‘living shorelines’ adopted by LA County supervisors

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.

Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.

Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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