Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 2

The Senate Bill 1 Sea Level Rise Adaptation Grant Program – Track 2, administered by the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), is a state-funded initiative focused on implementing nature-based projects that address sea level rise (SLR) vulnerabilities along the California coast and the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Track 2 is part of OPC’s broader SB 1 Grant Program, which was established following the passage of Senate Bill 1 (Atkins, 2021), and is further aligned with Senate Bill 272 (Laird, 2023). These legislative directives support coordinated adaptation responses to escalating SLR impacts through local and regional planning and implementation. Track 2 specifically supports shovel-ready projects and builds upon prior planning activities funded under Track 1, which is administered on a rolling basis for adaptation plan development. Track 2 provides competitive grant funding to local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, regional entities, and public institutions that are ready to execute SLR adaptation projects grounded in community-endorsed planning documents. Eligible projects must be identified as priorities within completed or in-progress SLR adaptation or resilience plans, or comparable land-use frameworks. An exception to this requirement may apply to strategic relocation projects, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All projects must be nature-based in design—utilizing natural or predominantly natural features to enhance coastal resilience. Hybrid projects with limited gray infrastructure may be considered if the gray components are clearly justified and designed to minimize environmental impact. Projects relying primarily on gray infrastructure, or those limited to research and monitoring activities, are not eligible. Funding may be requested for three distinct project types: (1) Site Assessment and Preliminary Design, which includes feasibility studies, baseline data collection, and initial design work; (2) Final Design and Permitting, covering detailed engineering, environmental planning, and cost estimation; and (3) Construction, intended for fully designed, permitted, and site-controlled projects ready for implementation. Projects may combine some of these phases where appropriate. All activities must be completed within a maximum performance period of three years. Construction projects must be fully shovel-ready at the start of the grant period. In accordance with Proposition 4 (the 2024 Climate Bond), Track 2 is funded through a $75 million allocation, with $7 million available in Round 1. Awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $2,500,000. Notably, 40% of total program funds must provide direct and meaningful benefits to disadvantaged communities (DACs), and 10% to severely disadvantaged communities (SDACs). Projects benefiting vulnerable populations and those incorporating tribal consultation or partnership will be prioritized. Use of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) or a certified community conservation corps is encouraged, especially for restoration activities. Applicants are expected to align proposals with OPC’s strategic goals and demonstrate strong readiness, feasibility, and community support. The application process includes a mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI), due February 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM PT. Only applicants whose LOIs meet the evaluation criteria and are deemed eligible will be invited to submit full proposals. The full proposal phase will close on June 5, 2026. Final award recommendations will be made in September 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically and adhere strictly to the solicitation’s format and content guidelines. For technical assistance, especially for applicants facing significant SLR threats, a complementary SB 1 Technical Assistance Program is available. Key contact for this grant is Megan Williams at [email protected] or 1-669-244-0917. The full solicitation document, including templates and FAQs, is available via the SB 1 Funding webpage hosted by the Ocean Protection Council.

Clearly address solicitation priorities, demonstrate DAC/SDAC impact, and confirm project alignment with approved adaptation plans.