Laird brings $4.3 million in state funding home to five Monterey County projects

State Sen. John Laird has secured $4.3 million in state funding for five projects across Monterey County, his office announced Sept. 24, with the money aimed at coastal protection, recreation, traffic safety and public access.

The largest award, $1.8 million, goes to Monterey County for a protective structure along Scenic Road, near the mouth of the Carmel River and the Carmel River lagoon. Coastal erosion has put several residential properties along Scenic Road at risk, and for years the county has relied on temporary pumps and sandbag walls to mitigate flooding for low-lying homes. The project aims to address the flooding and improve management of the river's natural breach into the Pacific during major rain events.

The Lone Cypress clings to its granite perch above the Pacific on 17-Mile Drive. The funding package targets coastal resilience, recreation, traffic safety and public access.

Charles Ng / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) · Source

Another $1.2 million goes to the Salinas Regional Sports Authority for the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex, where construction is underway on eight new soccer fields. The expansion is expected to be complete by spring 2027 and to bring the complex closer to becoming the largest sports and recreation facility of its kind between Los Angeles and San Francisco, according to Salinas Valley Now.

The Point Lobos Foundation receives $500,000 for accessibility improvements, and the Monterey County Environmental Health Bureau receives $500,000. A fifth project was included in the announcement; details were not independently verified.

Wave-carved cliffs meet the Pacific along the Big Sur Coast Highway. The $4.3 million was secured through the 2026-2027 state budget.

Martha Alejandre / U.S. National Archives / Public domain · Source

"These investments address a wide range of needs across Monterey County, from protecting homes and improving coastal resilience to creating more opportunities for young people, making our roads safer and improving public access," Laird said in the announcement.

"I'm pleased to have secured this funding and look forward to seeing these investments put to work in our communities," Laird said.