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BART Board backs regional approach to sea level rise

The BART Board of Directors today unanimously endorsed the Bay Adapt Joint Platform, a roadmap for how the Bay Area will adapt faster, better, and more equitably to rising sea levels.

“BART is one of the most important resources we must prepare for rising Bay water levels,” said BART Board President Rebecca Saltzman. “It’s imperative that we work with regional partners to ensure that we remain resilient and robust to serve as the backbone of public transportation in the Bay Area even in the face of climate change.”

The Bay Adapt Joint Platform is a roadmap for how the Bay Area will adapt faster, better, and more equitably to a rising Bay.  It focuses on how people, information, plans, and projects will protect communities, businesses, infrastructure, and natural habitats throughout the Bay Area. 

water spilling over into Embarcadero during high tide

Photo above: King tide, January 2, 2022 along San Francisco Embarcadero

“Bay Adapt is a critical step forward in addressing rising sea levels which will flood many areas of our region unless we take action,” said Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) Chair Zack Wasserman.  “It provides a framework for local and regional government agencies and communities to act cooperatively to develop and implement the adaptation projects which will protect the natural environment, the built environment and the people of the Bay Area.”

 When implemented, Bay Adapt will:

  • Reduce flood risks for communities, businesses, infrastructure, and habitats. 
  • Protect natural areas and wildlife. 
  • Integrate adaptation into community-focused local plans. 
  • Recognize and equitably support low-income communities. 
  • Accelerate permitting and project construction. 
  • Increase technical assistance for local governments. 
  • Develop and implement a funding strategy to help pay for what is necessary.

In addition to partnering with BCDC on Bay Area Adapt, BART is engaging with other regional agencies on climate change adaptation. Those efforts include participation in the Embarcadero Seawall Program, advising the Resilient By Design Bay Area Challenge and participating in sea level rise Adaptation Options project with regional partners (MTC, BCDC, Caltrans) on regional transportation systems.