SACRAMENTO – Senator John Laird today announced he secured state funding for five projects across Monterey County, supporting coastal protection and flood resilience, recreational opportunities, pedestrian and traffic safety, and public access.

“These investments address a wide range of needs across Monterey County, from protecting homes and improving coastal resilience to creating more opportunities for young people, making our roads safer and improving public access,” said Laird. “I’m pleased to have secured this funding and look forward to seeing these investments put to work in our communities.”

The funding secured by Laird includes:

1. Monterey County for the Scenic Road Protective Structure

The funding will support work near the mouth of the Carmel River to address coastal erosion that has placed several residential properties along Scenic Road at risk. The project will also help address flooding and improve management of the Carmel River’s natural breach into the Pacific Ocean during major rain events.

The Scenic Road Protective Structure is part of a broader effort to address longstanding flooding, erosion and environmental concerns around the Carmel Lagoon and Carmel River State Beach.

2. Salinas Regional Sports Authority for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex

The funding will support the continued expansion of the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, where construction is currently underway on eight new soccer fields, with completion anticipated by spring 2027. The expansion will significantly increase the Complex’s capacity, building upon a facility that currently serves more than 15,000 people each week.

With the addition of the new fields, weekly use is projected to exceed 22,000, bringing the Complex closer to becoming the largest sports and recreation facility of its kind between Los Angeles and San Francisco. The expanded facility will also be better positioned to host larger tournaments and regional events, bringing more players, families and visitors to the Salinas Valley.

3. City of Seaside for the San Pablo Pedestrian Bridge

The funding will support rehabilitation of the existing San Pablo Pedestrian Bridge abutments and construction of ADA-accessible trail connections to adjacent Safe Routes to School routes. The bridge, which has connected Lincoln Cunningham Park and Manzanita Stuart Park since 1960, was closed in 2023 following significant weathering.

The state investment will complement other funding secured to rebuild the bridge and restore an important pedestrian connection for students, families, and residents.

4. California Highway Patrol for traffic enforcement and public safety at Bixby Bridge

The funding will support two full-time California Highway Patrol officers to enforce the 12-month parking prohibition around Bixby Bridge and monitor vehicle safety in the area.

Monterey County implemented a 12-month parking prohibition this summer in response to longstanding congestion and public safety concerns around the iconic Big Sur landmark. Previous traffic monitoring recorded hundreds of pedestrian crossings of Highway 1 per hour during peak periods, along with vehicles stopping in travel lanes and parking in unsafe locations.

5. California Department of Parks and Recreation to address congestion and public access at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

The funding will go to the California Department of Parks and Recreation to support limited-term congestion management at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, helping address traffic congestion, public safety and public access at one of Monterey County’s most heavily visited coastal destinations.

The five allocations are part of funding secured by Laird through the 2026-27 state budget and will be distributed to support the identified local projects and programs.