FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2025
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@ocgov.com
Online Meeting to Discuss Coastal Rail Resiliency Study set for July 29, 2025
Separate from ongoing emergency repairs in San Clemente reinforcement areas, OCTA is studying options for reinforcing the rail line for approximately the next 30 years and encourages public input
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – As part of ongoing efforts to protect a vital rail line in south Orange County, the Orange County Transportation Authority invites the public to provide feedback on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study at the upcoming online public meeting.
The online meeting will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29 on Zoom.
“OCTA seeks the public's valued input as we protect our rail line and precious coastline,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “The Coastal Rail Resiliency Study identifies solutions to safeguard the rail line for at least the next 30 years without interruptions. Restoring and strengthening our coastline through strategic sand nourishment ensures rail traffic continues moving along this critical corridor, supporting our thriving local economy and coastal community. Help us build a safer Orange County to call home.”
This meeting is another opportunity for the public to weigh-in on the Coastal Rail Resiliency Study, following a well-attended meeting in San Clemente earlier this month. During the meeting, OCTA presented potential concepts to reinforce the rail line, bluff side, and beach. Public feedback this summer will play a key role in shaping the alternative concepts and the final feasibility report.
The Coastal Rail Resiliency Study is focused on developing strategies that ensure the continued operation of passenger and freight trains along seven miles of vulnerable coastline between Dana Point and the San Diego County line. This study is separate from emergency reinforcement work currently underway in San Clemente to address immediate threats to the rail line from coastal erosion and unstable bluffs.
OCTA and its project partners have developed a list of potential alternatives to address future threats to the rail corridor. These potential options, which will be further outlined in the July 29 online presentation, include both nature-based and engineered solutions, such as sand nourishment and retention, slope grading, catchment walls, drainage improvements and elevating the tracks.
Guided by public input, the alternatives aim to preserve rail service for at least the next 30 years while longer-term, permanent solutions are developed and evaluated.
The public is encouraged to participate in the virtual meeting to review these alternatives and share feedback:
Online Public Meeting: Tuesday, July 29
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/CRRS-Jul29
Webinar ID: 876 4063 9878
Call-in: (669) 900-6833
(Spanish interpretation will be provided.)
The rail line is part of the 351-mile LOSSAN Corridor, the nation’s second-busiest intercity passenger rail route and a critical freight route that also serves U.S. military logistics. Since 2021, repeated closures in the San Clemente area due to storm damage and land movement have underscored the need for both emergency protections and forward-looking planning.
Looking Ahead
The public’s feedback on the draft alternatives will directly influence the refinement of these options and help shape the final feasibility study expected in 2026. The final plan is expected to then go to the OCTA Board of Directors for consideration.
A separate state-led initiative is expected to consider longer-term strategies beyond 30 years, including a potential inland relocation of the rail line in southern Orange County.
Stay Engaged
- Sign up for CRRS updates and review resources from the study at: octa.net/crrs
- Learn more about ongoing emergency rail protection efforts at: octa.net/railemergency.
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Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2025 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust,
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee,
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA),
Vice Chair – OCTA Legislative and Communications Committee, Regional Transportation Committee,
Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor Agency,
Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), TCA Joint Capital Improvements and Projects Committee,
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Community Engagement Panel,
Co-Chair – Spent Fuel Solutions Coalition,
Orange County Public Libraries Advisory Board, Coastal Greenbelt Authority,
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees,
Ocean Institute, Orange County Community Corrections
Partnership (OCCCP), Santa Ana River Flood Control Protection Agency,
and the Orange County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council.
