A 2017 city report and a follow-up report in 2022 highlighted significant flooding risks in East Boston, with the neighborhood's Central Square area forming a consequential vulnerable point as sea levels rise. Image courtesy of the city of Boston

A flood barrier designed to protect waterfront properties including a K-8 school and shopping center is the first stage of a planned East Boston resiliency project.

The city of Boston is seeking designers for a central Border Street climate resiliency project, advertising a $1.5 million technical services contract for designs for a half-mile barrier from 40 New St. to the Mario Umana Academy.

The Border Street waterfront was identified in a 2017 city-sponsored climate study as a key flood pathway, placing a swath of low lying properties at risk in a major coastal storm by the 2030s.

A request for proposals issued by the Boston Environment Department this week seeks firms that will provide engineering and site studies, landscape design and permitting for the project.

The study area is a state-designated environmental justice area, defined as areas with below-average median income, minority populations of at least 40 percent or 25 percent or more households with language barriers. It also includes such commercial properties as a Shaw’s Supermarket at 246 Border St.

“It is critical that we equip East Boston with climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure that generations of residents can thrive in the neighborhood without being harmed by coastal flooding and its effects,” Wu said in a statement.

Potential project elements could include elevated sea walls and green infrastructure such as porous pavement and stormwater retention basins.

Proposals are due Dec. 4.