TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept $1,500,000 in grant funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the DeForest Wetlands project; increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $1,500,000; and execute any documents necessary for the administration of the project. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, also known as Proposition 84. Proposition 84 authorized the legislature to create a number of grant programs, including those that prevent degradation of coastal watershed, protect and restore the natural habitat values of coastal lands, and promote access to and enjoyment of the coastal resources. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) has actively pursued several Proposition 84 grants for the development of the DeForest Wetlands project. On October 4, 2011, the City Council authorized PRM to apply for grant funding through the California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy), and on November 10, 2011, the Conservancy authorized the disbursement of $1,500,000 to the City of Long Beach (City) for restoration of 39 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat.
The DeForest Wetlands project is located along the east bank of the Los Angeles River in the Los Angeles County Public Works Flood Control District Market Street Detention Basin (Attachment). The project will provide for the development of 39 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat, publicly accessible trails, and educational interpretive signage along the Los Angeles River, from DeForest Park to Del Amo Boulevard. Additional funding for the development of the DeForest Wetlands is provided by additional grants received from the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, California Resources Agency, and the California State Coastal Conservancy.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on December 28, 2011, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on December 30, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
This project is an integral part of the overall River Link Project along the Los Angeles River. Sustainable principles included in this project are on-site storm water management, habitat restoration, native planting, and environmental education opportunities.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 24, 2012, in order to proceed with the completion of the construction documents and the bidding of the project.
FISCAL IMPACT
Authorization is requested to accept $1,500,000 in grant funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy and increase appropriations by $1.5 million in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW) for the DeForest Wetlands project. This grant does not require matching funds. Parks, Recreation and Marine and Public Works staff will charge eligible project management and grant administration time directly to the project in order to recover some overhead costs. With the acceptance of this grant, the DeForest Wetlands project is fully funded. A summary of the funding secured for the project is as follows:
Agency |
Amount |
California Resources Agency |
$2,500,000 |
Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District |
$2,500,000 |
Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers and Mountains Conservancy |
$1,000,000 |
California State Coastal Conservancy (previous grant) |
$217,593 |
California State Coastal Conservancy |
$1,500,000 |
TOTAL: |
$7,717,593 |
The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs. To date, a total of 20 jobs have been created by the DeForest Wetlands project.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER