Long Beach Continues Naples Seawall Repair Project

The city moves forward with a multi-phase restoration plan for a nearly century-old seawall facing rising tide issues.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Utilities

Long Beach Continues Naples Seawall Repair Project

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Long Beach is pushing ahead with its six-phase plan to repair the aging Naples seawall, which has fallen into significant disrepair. Officials are currently seeking alternative funding to support the project following a shift in oil drilling revenue.

Why it matters

The nearly 100-year-old structure is essential for flood protection as high tides now reach depths of nearly two feet. A 2022 state law that restricted oil drilling reduced the tax revenue originally earmarked for these infrastructure improvements.

The Naples seawall is roughly 100 years old, with current high tides causing flooding that reaches nearly two feet in depth. The city has finished two phases of the comprehensive six-phase repair plan.

The players

Long Beach

This is a coastal city in Southern California that maintains public infrastructure and local utility planning.

Coastal Commission

This is a California state agency that regulates land use and coastal development to protect public access and environmental resources.

The details

The city is working to address the crumbling infrastructure, having already installed and monitored special seawall plugs in September to help mitigate potential storm damage. Further progress on the upcoming phases is contingent on the completion of the Sorrento Trail, as mandated by the Coastal Commission.

In 2009, the city conducted an evaluation that identified significant disrepair in the seawall.
A 2022 state law passed to limit oil drilling, which restricted funding for the project.
During September 2026, the city installed and monitored seawall plugs.
On October 10, 2026, Tropical Storm Rachel caused water to breach the seawall.

Market Landscape

The project highlights how local municipal infrastructure plans are increasingly vulnerable to shifting state revenue policies. By losing a dedicated funding stream via the 2022 state law limiting oil drilling, the city must now pivot to alternative budget models to maintain aging utilities.

Residents in the Naples area may see ongoing construction activity as the city works to finish the remaining repair phases. The lack of traditional funding may lead to delays in flood mitigation efforts, impacting daily transit and property safety during high tide events.

The takeaway

Maintaining century-old coastal infrastructure requires proactive funding strategies in the face of changing environmental and legislative conditions. Residents are encouraged to monitor city council meetings to stay informed on the shifting funding priorities for local flood defenses.