TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution approving the application for grant funds through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection urban forestry grant program entitled "Leading Edge Urban Greening," as provided through Propositions 40 and 84. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The CAL FIRE Urban Forestry & Urban Greening: Leading Edge Projects Grant Program is funded by Proposition 40, the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood, Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002, and by Proposition 84, the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006. The Leading Edge Projects Grant program is intended for projects that will improve greening in urban areas and projects that give special attention to energy conservation, air quality improvement and stormwater management/quality.
The Office of Sustainability's leading edge project is the Long Beach Bioretention Tree Well Project (Project). This project calls for the installation of 10 bioretention tree wells and the planting of 10 trees. The installation of bioretention tree wells is a best management practice related to low-impact development. Bioretention tree wells provide benefits such as shade, carbon sequestration, improved air quality, lower air temperatures, beautification and stormwater retention. Tree planting enhances the streetscape and provides environmental and social benefits. Locations of the bioretention tree wells will be determined based on achieving the highest positive environmental impact while also distributing them across the entire city.
The attached resolution authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept up to $145,425 in Leading Edge Projects Grant funds in FY 2012 and FY 2013. If the City is awarded funding, the grant will be used to fund the Long Beach Bioretention Tree Well Project.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on February 14, 2011 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 16, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
Long Beach's Sustainable City Action Plan, which was approved by the City Council on February 2, 2010, includes an initiative to implement low-impact development strategies to reduce runoff and pollution at the source and increase the beneficial use of rainwater.
If funding is secured, this project will help the City achieve several goals of the Sustainable City Action Plan. This Project combines tree planting, which enhances a streetscape and urban forest, and stormwater management strategies, which reduce runoff and pollution. Tree planting and stormwater low-impact development strategies are two actions that help Long Beach become a sustainable city, but are interrelated and connected to many other quality of life benefits.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 1, 2011, in order to provide the Resolution necessary to be considered for the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total project costs are anticipated to be $193,900 over 24 months of contract execution. If the application is approved, the City will receive up to $145,425 in grant funding from the CAL FIRE Urban Forestry & Urban Greening: Leading Edge Projects Grant Program with a $48,475 cash match from the Sustainability and Redevelopment Agency funds. Appropriations will be requested only after the City is notified of the grant award. There is no impact to the General Fund and no local job impact associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS THROUGH THE URBAN FORESTRY GRANT PROGRAM ENTITLED, "LEADING EDGE URBAN GREENING", AS PROVIDED THROUGH PROPOSITIONS 40 AND 84
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER