TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or his designee, to submit an application to the Clean Beaches Initiative (CBI) Grant Program; and
Authorize City Manager, or his designee, to accept a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for $4,470,627, if the City is awarded funding, and execute all documents, agreements and amendments necessary to accept the funds. (Districts 2,3)
DISCUSSION
The California SWRCB CBI Grant Program provides funding for projects that restore and protect the water quality and environment of coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and near shore waters. On November 16, 2012, the SWRCB informed City staff that the Conceptual Proposal for stormwater low-flow diversion, which was submitted in September 2012, qualified for the Implementation Round 1 of the CBI Grant Program. An invitation to submit a detailed application for funding was extended to the City. In addition to the invitation, the SWRCB assigned a Grant Manager to assist staff with the City's project. The SWRCB has assigned Proposal Number 24663 to the project.
A resolution has been prepared and attached that authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept up to $4,470,627 for CBI Grant Program funds. If the City is awarded funding, the funds will be used to construct structural Best Management Practice (BMP) devices consisting of three Low Flow Diversion (LFD) Systems and two Vortex Separation System (VSS) pre-filter devices that will affect three beach outfalls, in order to achieve compliance with the reduction or elimination of bacteria, as required by the Long Beach Beaches and Los Angeles River Estuary Bacteria TMDL, adopted by the SWRCB in March 2012.
The proposed structural BMPs will be constructed in the storm-drain main lines that discharge to the following beach outfalls (see attached):
1. 9th Place south of Ocean Boulevard (construct one LFD and one VSS)
2. Redondo Avenue north of Ocean Boulevard (construct one LFD and one VSS)
3. Shoreline Avenue at Golden Avenue (construct one LFD)
The locations above have produced the highest levels of bacteria among the City's five beach outfalls. It is hoped that future funding will become available to construct LFD Systems and VSS pre-filter devices in the remaining two beach outfalls.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on January 28, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 13, 2013.
SUSTAINABILITY
The project will restore and protect the recreational water quality of the City's beaches. Educational features would be incorporated along the beach outfall structures to inform the public of the consequences of trash and bacteria in sediment that enter the storm drains. The benefits of having clean water on City beaches would also be highlighted in the educational features. Cleaner water would attract more beach goers to enjoy recreational beach activities.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 12, 2013, as grant funds will be committed to projects based on the timely submittal of completed applications.
FISCAL IMPACT
Total project costs, including staff time, are anticipated to be $4,967,363. If successful, the City will receive up to $4,470,627 in grant funding from the State Water Resources Control Board, with a match of up to $496,736, including staff time, from the Tidelands Operations Fund (TF 401). An appropriation increase will be requested prior to initiating the project.
Following the projected completion date in FY 2016, staff estimates a total of $50,000 in annual operating and maintenance costs. Potential ongoing costs include an annual permit fee from the Sanitation District of Los Angeles County and utilities. These costs will be supported by the Tidelands Operations Fund (TF 401) and, if needed, the Department will request an increase of appropriation for these additional costs as part of the proposed budget process. Approval of this recommendation will provide continued support to the local economy.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR A CLEAN BEACHES INITIATIVE GRANT FROM THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD (SWRCB) IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,473,438, AND EXECUTE ALL DOCUMENTS NECESSARY TO ACCEPT AND EXPEND THE FUNDS
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER