2026 Project Update
The proposed Santa Maria Levee Trail is a 6.7-mile path along the levee that connects Guadalupe and Santa Maria. It will create new opportunities for hiking, running, biking, and other outdoor recreation along the river.
Right now, the County of Santa Barbara is studying the alignment and preparing an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project.
The County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department is asking for feedback on whether the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Santa Maria River Levee Trail Project is clear and complete. On June 30th, 2026, a hearing was held to solicit comments on the adequacy and completeness of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the project. About 50 attendees were present at the meeting, and 21 public comments were made.
You can share your thoughts by sending written or spoken comments to SMRLT@countyofsb.org before the public comment period ends on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
To read the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), please visit the following link:
https://www.countyofsb.org/4804/Santa-Maria-Levee-Trail
Project History
Location:
The project site is located in unincorporated northern Santa Barbara County and southern San Luis Obispo County, along the south bank of the Santa Maria River, atop the Santa Maria River Levee, between the City of Santa Maria and the City of Guadalupe.
Description:
In May 2022, the County of Santa Barbara completed the Santa Maria River Levee Trail Study and presented it to the County Board of Supervisors. The County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to continue work on the proposed trail and allocated funding for additional survey, design, and environmental work related to the trail.
The purpose of the project is to expand and improve public access and provide an alternative east-west active transportation corridor for pedestrians and cyclists through the development of a portion of the existing Santa Maria River Levee System as directed by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors and outlined in the 2022 Santa Maria River Levee Trail Study. The project would improve an informal trail in the existing right-of-way along the top of the levee, extend the existing Tom Urbanske Multi-Purpose Trail from the City of Santa Maria to the City of Guadalupe, and include design improvements to be determined.
Learn More →
County of Santa Barbara Levee Trail Webpage
Canal & Waterway Trails Report
Coastal Conservancy Funding Recommendation