Santa Barbara Airport is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying location near the Goleta Slough. Recognizing this critical issue, the airport and the city of Santa Barbara are actively seeking public feedback on a comprehensive Climate Adaptation Plan. This initiative aims to protect essential airport operations and the vital surrounding coastal wetlands from the escalating threats of rising sea levels and severe flooding.
The airport currently faces a significant annual risk of closure due to flood-related incidents, estimated by airport officials at 20%. Without proactive measures, this risk is projected to dramatically increase to 60% by the year 2076. This vulnerability was starkly demonstrated last December when widespread flooding caused considerable disruption to holiday travel, leading to numerous flight cancellations. Montecito resident Gray Nailin recounted how the runways flooded, necessitating the cancellation of all flights, impacting his family's Christmas Eve travel plans. Chris Hastert, the airport's director, underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, "we need to have plans" as conditions in the area are not improving.
The Climate Adaptation Plan, jointly developed by the city and the airport, is designed to identify robust strategies for safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure while simultaneously ensuring the preservation of the Goleta Slough's crucial wetland habitat. The plan’s second phase, currently underway, involves the detailed development and evaluation of various potential adaptation strategies. These strategies encompass a wide spectrum of approaches, ranging from conventional infrastructure enhancements to nature-based solutions specifically crafted to benefit both the airport and its immediate natural environment. For instance, according to Hastert, solutions could be as straightforward as installing pumps on some drain outfalls or as extensive as undertaking a large project to open up different areas within the slough itself.
This multi-phase effort began with the completion of a climate change vulnerability assessment in its first phase. Following the current phase of strategy development, the third and final phase will focus on updating the airport's Coastal Land Use Plan. This update, targeted for completion by 2027, will integrate new policies specifically designed to address sea level rise and to protect the invaluable coastal resources of the area. The funding for this significant project is a collaborative effort, provided by both the California Coastal Commission and the city of Santa Barbara.
Despite the ongoing concerns regarding flooding and the potential for future disruptions, the airport maintains a special place in the hearts of some travelers. Mary Davis, a regular traveler, described the airport as a cherished community asset.
Community members are encouraged to participate in this planning process by providing their feedback on the Climate Adaptation Plan. The deadline for submitting comments is November 13. Information on the draft plan and how to submit feedback is available to the public.
