TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the State of California Resources Agency, through the California River Parkways Grant Program, in the amount of $3 million for the DeForest Wetlands Project. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control,. River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Act), also known as Proposition 84. 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. Under the previous water bond act known as Proposition 50, City Council approved an application for $6 million on October 3, 2005, and a second application on October 3, 2006 for $3 million for the DeForest Wetlands Project (Project).
Unfortunately, while the Project was very competitive and met all statutory conditions of the grant requirements, the project was not selected in either round of funding due to a larger than expected volume of applications. The California Resources Agency has assured the City that the project is both eligible and fundable. A new application strengthening the water quality, habitat and recreational benefits of the Project is now requested to be submitted for $3 million in funds through Proposition 84 grant funding.
The DeForest Wetlands site is located along the east bank of the Los Angeles River (Attachment A). 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, south of DeForest Park along the Los Angeles River to Del Amo Boulevard. If grant funds are 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.
Additional grant funds in the amount $2.5 million have been awarded through Proposition A River funding. City Council authorization to accept and expend the award will be requested in November. In addition, the California Coastal Conservancy has submitted a letter of commitment for $1 million toward the project. The total cost to complete both phases of the Project is estimated at $6.5 million.
Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton reviewed this matter and prepared the attached Resolution on October 6, 2008, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell reviewed this matter on October 3, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to approve the Resolution is requested on October 21, 2008, in order to allow submission of the grant application to the California Resources Agency by the November 12, 2008 deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total Project development cost is estimated at $6.5 million. If funded, grant monies will offset all Project development costs except for City overhead expenses, which will come from future park impact fees, if funding is available. If grant funding is awarded, the Department will request City Council approval to accept and appropriate the funds.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE DEFOREST WETLANDS PROJECT THROUGH THE CALIFORNIA RIVER PAR~AYS GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 84)
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |