Port of Los Angeles Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan

The Port of Los Angeles has developed a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan to address the impacts of sea level rise. Mean sea levels have risen four inches in the Los Angeles area over the last century. With global sea levels projected to continue to rise, public and private shoreline assets will become more vulnerable to an increase in the frequency and magnitude of coastal flood events. This plan identifies the areas of the nation’s leading seaport that are projected to be exposed to sea level rise by years 2030, 2050, and 2100, provides an overview of the port’s asset vulnerabilities, and presents a suite of strategies to both adapt over time and become more resilient to sea level rise. Port assets are categorized as follows: cargo wharves and miscellaneous operations, critical facilities, transportation (rail/roads), community assets, and natural habitats. This paper provides an overview of the methodology taken to develop the adaptation plan including: determining sea level rise projections, completing the asset inventory, developing sea level rise maps, a vulnerability assessment, development of adaptation strategies, cost impacts, and identification of implementation priorities.