MARIN COUNTY, CA — Marin County supervisors will consider a $3 million investment in flood protection and emergency preparedness Tuesday as officials prepare for potentially severe winter storms, heavy rain and unusually high tides.
The proposed $3.021 million investment would support flood barriers, drainage improvements, emergency equipment and a countywide preparedness campaign ahead of the 2026-27 winter season.
El Niño conditions, heavy rainfall and king tides could combine to increase flooding and other hazards, county officials said. Marin's varied geography also leaves communities vulnerable to flooding, erosion, downed trees, power outages and blocked roads.
"We know that heavy rainfall, unusually high tides and other severe weather can create dangerous conditions, particularly when they occur at the same time," County Executive Derek Johnson said. "Our goal is to prepare early, strengthen our ability to protect vulnerable communities and make sure our teams have the equipment and resources they need to respond quickly."
The proposed funding includes $2.27 million for flood protection and infrastructure, $390,000 for Marin County Parks and $361,000 for community and emergency preparedness.
The flood protection funding would expand the county's inventory of temporary flood barriers, sandbags and equipment and improve drainage systems. Parks funding would help protect vulnerable shoreline areas including McInnis Marsh and McNears Beach.
The preparedness funding would support public outreach, emergency alert education, community meetings, preparedness materials and public health readiness.
County officials said many of the investments, including reusable flood barriers and emergency equipment, could also be used during future storms and high-tide events.
The county is also preparing a public communications campaign and has launched an El Niño webpage with information about winter storm preparedness.
"The most important step is for everyone to know their flood risk and identify potentially hazardous areas around their home and travel routes, including the likelihood of US 101 and other major routes to be flooded," said Steven Torrence, director of the Marin County Office of Emergency Management.
The county plans to increase public communications before anticipated king tide events in November, December and January, as well as provide storm-specific information when conditions warrant.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider the funding Tuesday.
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