SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) announced today that he secured $1 million to invest in sand replenishment and critical rail infrastructure in San Clemente, providing much-needed funding to address the city’s long-standing beach erosion problem while helping protect an important transportation corridor serving communities in Southern California. The funding was included in Assembly Bill 113, the 2026 state budget, which was recently signed into law. “The remnants of Hurricane Marie brought powerful surf to Orange County’s coastal communities, including San Clemente, adding to the erosion challenges facing our coastline. With weather forecasters predicting more storms due to El Niño, this $1 million will help put sand back where it belongs while supporting critical infrastructure along the coast,” said Senator Strickland. “Our beaches and coastal infrastructure are important to communities in Orange County. They provide families with places to enjoy the outdoors, support local businesses, and help connect our communities. We must do everything we can to protect them.” The need for investment has become increasingly clear following recent storms. The Los Angeles Times reported that Hurricane Marie caused significant damage along San Clemente’s coastline, including near the coastal rail tracks, temporarily disrupting Amtrak and Metrolink service. The recent storm damage also highlights the importance of protecting the LOSSAN rail corridor. As vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Strickland serves on the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency subcommittee. The LOSSAN rail corridor runs along the San Clemente coastline, where erosion has repeatedly threatened rail service. The $1 million investment will also help protect a critical rail connection that serves San Clemente and communities throughout Southern California. “Thank you, Senator Strickland, for standing up for San Clemente and helping secure this funding. San Clemente has been sand-starved for decades, and this funding will help us address an issue that has affected our community for far too long. Our beach is an important part of who we are, and this investment will help put sand back on the beach while supporting critical infrastructure and protecting our community,” said San Clemente Mayor Rick Loeffler. In September, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency for what could be a potentially historic El Niño season, which could bring more powerful storms, flooding, and coastal erosion along Southern California’s coastline. “This is about being prepared, and while I am proud to bring this investment back to District 36, there is still more work to do. It is imperative we continue to work together to protect our majestic coastline because it is what makes our beach communities so special. Protecting our beaches and rail infrastructure also means supporting our neighborhoods, our local economy, and a way of life that generations of families have enjoyed,” concluded Senator Strickland. Earlier this month, Senator Strickland joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators in urging Governor Newsom to declare a State of Emergency for Orange County’s coastal communities following significant damage that was caused by recent storms. This request is separate from the governor’s recent State of Emergency declaration. Click HERE to read the legislators’ letter. | 