MENDOCINO CO., 12/13/25 — The Mendocino Council of Governments has been conducting a study of roadways in the county impacted by sea level rise. Now the group is seeking help from the community.
The council said in a statement, “We encourage you to complete an online survey to share your observations about which coastal roads are most affected by flooding, erosion, or storm-related impacts. Your input will help the project team identify the five priority roadway segments for detailed analysis.” The survey end date is Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
The study, funded by Caltrans, is evaluating how flooding and erosion due to sea level rise impact city- and county-managed roads. Such information is vital for a county with a single coastal highway that connects far-flung areas with limited other access.
“Flooding, erosion, and storm surge are already affecting many low-lying roads and bridges, with impacts expected to worsen as the climate changes,” the council wrote. “This study is a crucial first step in planning potential roadway adaptation strategies, addressing Mendocino’s most pressing climate-related transportation challenges, and helping to protect our coastal communities by ensuring safe, reliable transportation access now and into the future.”
The council provides regional transportation planning, administers transportation funding and financing, represents Mendocino County’s interests at higher levels of government, and develops transportation projects for future funding. The sea level rise survey is part of that work. The council is funded through federal, state and local resources, most centered around transportation funds and taxes.
More information is available at www.mendocinoSLRstudy.org, by emailing info@mendocinoSLRstudy.org or by calling UC Cooperative Extension Advisor Dr. Laura Garza at 707-463-4496.
This is for County and City roads only. Not State Highways MCOG is in the middle of submitting the Transportation Plan for the County as well as this study. Hope they will move the Garcia River to the top of their plan. Currently they have it at the bottom!