Twin Lakes beachfront project awarded $250,000 state grant

A project to improve coastal access at a Santa Cruz County beachfront is getting a $250,000 boost from the state.

The California Coastal Conservancy on Thursday approved the funding for the Twin Lakes beachfront project.

The project at Twin Lakes beach will include establishing bike lanes and a pedestrian path, as well as organizing parking and improving vehicle circulation.

The bike lanes and pedestrian path are both part of the statewide California Coastal Trail and the regional Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail. The project also provides for a ramp down to the sand to improve beach access for people with disabilities.

The grant from the Coastal Commission provides the final portion of the needed funding for the project. The county’s Regional Transportation Commission has allocated $200,000 for the project, and another $4.9 million is coming from the county.

The Twin Lakes Beachfront Project was approved by the California Coastal Commission last year. Construction will likely begin in 2015.