Morro Bay Pedestrian and Bike Bridge to Receive Coastal Commission Permit Waiver

Morro Bay Mayor Jamie Irons is pleased to announce the project to build a bridge over Morro Creek, the City's number one unmet pedestrian and bicycle need, is on the fast track for project approval.

Coastal Commission and City staff worked closely together on the parameters of the project, resulting in the Coastal Commission staff supporting the project and recommending the Commission to authorize a waiver for the project at the Coastal Commission meeting this Thursday, May 15th in Inverness, CA.

"When I took office two years ago, I was committed to repairing the City's relationship with the Coastal Commission. Morro Bay has several important projects coming before them – such as the wastewater treatment plant and any proposed development at the former power plant site – and I recognized it was paramount to re-establish a collaborative working relationship with the Coastal Commission for the benefit of Morro Bay."

Mayor Irons adds, "I applaud City staff for their hard work in getting the bridge permit on the agenda this week. This is one example of how an improved working relationship with the Coastal Commission benefits all of us in Morro Bay".

The City has secured over $1 million in federal, state and local grants for construction of the bridge. The federal National Scenic Byways Program has committed $220,000, CalTrans Surface Transportation Program is providing $628,000 and SLOCOG will allocate $288,000. Morro Bay Measure Q funds are anticipated to make up the balance in the 2014-15 budget cycle beginning in June.

The project is planned for implementation in phases with phase one comprising the actual bridge construction and future phases completing trail enhancements such as the extension of the Harbor Walk and Surrey Turnaround.

Mayor Irons continues, "The diverse funding sources demonstrate how important this project is to not only the City, but the region as a whole. Current funding will provide for construction of the bridge, which is our biggest need, and I will continue to advocate for grant funding of future phases."

In addition to enhancing outdoor opportunities for citizens and tourists, the bridge will be sized to accommodate the use of police and fire vehicles if needed in an emergency.

"The bridge over Morro Creek project provides a blueprint for implementation of future infrastructure projects", states Mayor Irons. "The Morro Creek Bridge project began with grass roots community input and will be funded with a mix of grants to bring it to fruition. Receiving a waiver from the Coastal Commission to expedite the process is an added bonus and a serves as a recognition that improved relations with the Commission can move projects forward."