TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on the Los Angeles Region Safe, Clean Water Program, a potential countywide ballot measure that may be considered by all Los Angeles County voters on November 6, 2018, and give direction to City staff on the Measure as appropriate. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On July 17, 2018, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Board of Supervisors) considered a proposed ordinance related to the adoption of a special Parcel tax to establish the Los Angeles Region Safe, Clean Water Program (Program). The purpose of the special Parcel tax is to provide funds for programs and projects that increase stormwater and urban runoff capture, and reduce stormwater and urban runoff pollution in Los Angeles County (County). The rate of the proposed special Parcel tax is two and one-half cents per square-foot of impermeable surface. This ordinance was originally written to become effective July 1, 2019, with the parcel tax appearing on the secured tax roll in Fiscal Year 2020, if voters approve the measure by a two-thirds vote on the November 6, 2018 ballot.
Revenues generated by the Program will be invested according to State law. AB 1180 was adopted by the State Legislature in 2017, and sets forth three investment areas with Program allocations as follows:
• Municipal Program (40 percent) - The City of Long Beach (City) expects at least $5 million will be allocated directly to Long Beach on an annual basis through the Municipal Program.
Countywide, the Municipal Program will return 40 percent of all funds generated by each city back to that city. Eligible activities for this funding source include those that improve recreational water quality by implementing data driven programs, services and infrastructure projects consistent with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, as well as Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) stormwater permits. A vast database of information regarding stormwater pollutants that must be reduced in specified water bodies throughout County exits. This information has already been used by state and federal regulatory agencies to establish TMDLs, NPDES permits, and MS4 permits with which cities and the County must comply. Permit compliance for the City represents a $600-$900 million unfunded mandate over 30 years.
• Regional Program (50 percent) - Regional Program funds will be distributed by the County through competitive call for projects cycles. While, the specific rate of return to the City is unknown, the City expects Regional Program funds to further reduce City TMDL, NPDES and MS4 compliance costs and improve water quality in Long Beach because the Program will fund water quality improvement projects both in Long Beach and upstream of the City.
The Regional Program will be funded through a consolidation of 50 percent of funds generated by each city in the County within specified watersheds. Regional Program funds will support three sub-programs: (1) an Infrastructure Program; (2) a Technical Resources Program; and, (3) a Scientific Studies Program. The Infrastructure Program will support multi-benefit water quality projects that include a water supply benefit, community enhancement benefit, or both. To be eligible for Infrastructure Program funds, project applicants must secure a letter of support from at least one municipality within the Region. The Technical Resources Program will provide funding for stormwater management feasibility studies. The Scientific Studies Program will provide funding for monitoring, modeling, or other activities that may support future stormwater management activities.
• Los Angeles County Flood Control District (District) (10 percent) - Part of the City’s TMDL, NPDES and MS4 compliance costs include future feasibility studies, stormwater monitoring and modeling, as well as stormwater education programs. While the City may not receive a direct allocation of the District’s 10 percent of program funds, the District will use this source of funding to administer the Safe, Clean Water Program, coordinate countywide public education programs, and support countywide water quality planning and coordination, as well as scientific studies and water quality modeling efforts.
City staff are currently evaluating local programs and services that could be established or enhanced if the Los Angeles Region Safe, Clean Water Program is approved. City staff have been very active in informing the development of this measure to ensure any measure put before voters would maximize the benefit to Long Beach, as Long Beach arguably has the most water quality challenges due to its location at the end of two large watersheds.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa José-Murray on June 11, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council direction is requested on July 24, 2018.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal or local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER