TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application, through the California River Parkways Grant Program to the California Resources Agency, in the amount of $3 million for Phase I of the DeForest Wetlands Project, and to execute any necessary documents for the implementation and administration of the project at a total cost of $3 million. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2002, California voters passed the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Act), also known as Proposition 50. The Act authorized the Legislature to create the California River Parkways Grant Program within the Office of the Secretary of Resources to oversee the awarding of funding to river parkway projects. On October 3, 2005, City Council approved a first round application for $6 million for the DeForest Wetlands Project (Project). Unfortunately, while the Project was very competitive and met all statutory conditions of the grant requirements, the California Resources Agency decided to award grants only in a range up to $3 million, because of the larger than expected volume of applications. The California Resources Agency has asked the City to reapply for the Project at a lesser amount. The City is currently revising the Project by creating several phases in order to reapply for $3 million in funds in the second round of grant funding.
The DeForest Wetlands site is located along the east bank of the Los Angeles River (Attachment A). Phase I of the Project will provide for the development of wetlands habitat infrastructure and recreational facilities in the Los Angeles County Flood Control District Market Street Detention Basin, which is south of DeForest Park along the Los Angeles River to Del Amo Boulevard. Phase I would be primarily in the northern portion of the basin between DeForest Park and Long Beach Boulevard. If this Project is funded in the second cycle of funding, the Department will apply for funds to complete the remaining phase in the final funding cycle. Should grant funds be awarded, a partnership between the City and County will be formalized in an agreement, a request for which will be presented to the City Council. The total cost to complete both phases of the Project is estimated at $6 million.
This item was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna F. Gwin on September 18, 2006, and Administrative Analyst Kenneth Bott on September 22, 2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 3, 2006, as the completed grant application must be submitted to the California Resources Agency office in Sacramento by October 17, 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT
The cost of Phase I of the Project, including project management costs, is estimated at $3 million. If funded, the grant monies will offset $3 million of the Project development costs;
funding to cover the City's 4 percent overhead rate is not an eligible grant expense. If the grant is awarded, the City's overhead expenses will come from Park Impact Fees in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PR). If the grant is awarded by the State, the Department will request City Council approval to accept and appropriate the funds.
In accordance with the goals established in the Open Space and Recreation Element of the General Plan, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is seeking to add over 1,000 acres of recreational open space to the City. Such additional recreational space will require additional City expenditures for staffing and maintenance. Passive recreational spaces and native habitats require lower staffing and maintenance expenditures than equivalent areas in traditional parks.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR AND TO ENTER AN AGREEMENT AND ALL AMENDMENTS WITH THE CALIFORNIA RESOURCES AGENCY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE WATER SECURITY, CLEAN DRINKING WATER, COASTAL AND BEACH PROTECTION ACT OF 2002 FOR A CALIFORNIA RIVER PARKWAYS GRANT TO DEVELOP THE DEFOREST WETLANDS
Respectfully Submitted,
NAME PHIL T. HESTER |
APPROVED: |
TITLE DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |