TITLE
Recommendation to approve receipt of grant funds in the total amount of $50,000, from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to be earmarked for use by the Long Beach City Prosecutor's office to review and prosecute cases presented by the California Department of Fish and Game.
DISCUSSION
Historically, the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office has had an active environmental prosecution program. However, due to budget cuts 3 to 4 years ago the office had to reduce a number of its programs. One result of the budget reductions was a decrease in the number of environmental cases handled by the City Prosecutor.
The NFWF is a non-profit agency established by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act. The NFWF's mission is to undertake activities that will further the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the United States. The NFWF has funds set aside to support the prosecution of those who violate environmental laws designed to protect fish, plant and wildlife.
This grant of $50,000 constitutes a partnership between the City Prosecutor's Office, the NFWF, and the California District Attorney's Association (COM). Funds are dedicated by NFWF to reimburse the City Prosecutor's Office to review and prosecute cases presented by the California Department of Fish and Game. COM is the trustee of the funds.
This partnership will provide additional financial resources to the City Prosecutor for the enforcement and prosecution of cases. Under this grant, the City Prosecutor retains full discretion over all case decisions such as case filing, handling in court, and disposition.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total amount of the grant is $50,000, which is anticipated to last for 1 to 2 years. An appropriation increase of $50,000 is requested to accept funds from COM. There is no impact to the General Fund since this grant is a reimbursable grant and intended to compensate for personnel costs of one or more currently existing Deputy City Prosecutors.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DOUGLAS P. HAUBERT
CITY PROSECUTOR