The State Coastal Conservancy staff recommendation dated June 18, 2026 seeks authorization to disburse up to $597,000 to the City of Arcata for the Jolly Giant Creek and Butcher Slough Coastal Resilience and Restoration Planning Project. The planning effort will develop a coastal resilience and habitat restoration plan for the lower two miles of Jolly Giant Creek and produce 30% designs plus environmental review for a climate resilience and salmonid restoration project in Butcher Slough on the City’s Little Lakes property. The scope includes hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, geomorphic assessment, water level and flow monitoring, culvert and stream infrastructure assessments, topographic survey, biological and cultural resource studies, wetlands delineation, alternatives analysis, and a final restoration and climate planning document.This is a pre-construction planning phase funded primarily by a FY 2025-26 allocation from California’s 2024 Climate Bond (Proposition 4), with additional contributions from the Ocean Protection Council SB1 program and City Measure A funds. Vendors in environmental consulting, engineering design, modeling, and public engagement can position to support Arcata as it procures specialized services to execute this technical work and later moves into design completion and implementation of grey/green flood mitigation and habitat restoration infrastructure.

Grant conditions require City of Arcata to submit detailed work program, schedule, budget, and contractor qualifications to the Conservancy Executive Officer before commencing work.