Thursday, December 11 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Foster City Community Center – Wind Room
Join us for an in-depth technical presentation on the Foster City Levee Improvements Project, the largest public works effort in the City’s history and a nationally recognized model for flood protection, sea-level rise adaptation, and community resilience.
About the Project
The Foster City Levee surrounds most of the city’s bay-front perimeter, providing critical flood protection for more than 17,000 properties. After FEMA’s 2014 California Coastal Analysis and Mapping Project (CCAMP) determined that the levee would lose its 2007 accreditation—potentially placing properties within a Special Flood Hazard Area up to seven feet deep—the City acted immediately.
Within six months, a comprehensive levee protection study confirmed that 85% of the levee lacked required freeboard, and 4% was at risk of overtopping during a one-percent storm surge event. Working in partnership with FEMA, the Cities of Foster City and San Mateo secured seclusion mapping to allow the project to advance while updating future Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) after construction.
Over the next several years, Foster City implemented an innovative hybrid sheet pile wall system designed to withstand the most reasonable upper-bound projections of sea-level rise through 2100, based on evolving State of California guidance.
In 2018, Foster City voters approved a $90 million bond measure to fund the improvements. Following extensive multi-agency permitting, construction began in September 2020—during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place period. Despite geotechnical challenges, constrained access along the 6.5-mile levee, environmental restrictions, community concerns, supply chain disruptions, and dramatic increases in steel and fuel costs, the project team delivered the full project on schedule, reopening the enhanced San Francisco Bay Trail in phases ahead of schedule and within budget.
This presentation will highlight project planning, design innovations, permitting strategies, construction challenges, and long-term coastal resilience outcomes.
Featured Speakers
Mr. Chuck Anderson – Schaaf & Wheeler, Inc.
Ms. Francine Magno – Senior Civil Engineer, City of Foster City
Registration & RSVP (Deadline: December 8 at 5:00 PM)
For cybersecurity and facility access requirements, advance registration is required.
The Foster City Community Center (1000 E Hillsdale Boulevard, Foster City, CA 94404) requires a pre-approved attendee list.
How to Register
Visit the Golden Gate Branch website:
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about one of California’s most significant coastal protection projects and connect with fellow civil engineering professionals.
Register today to secure your seat!