TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to approve a grant application for the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy Proposition 68 Lower LA River Grant Program for the 51st Street Greenbelt Project; if awarded, accept an amount up to $2,000,000 for completion of the 51st Street Greenbelt Project; and execute all documents necessary to accept and expend the funds and implement the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68) was approved by voters in June 2018. In July 2022, the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) began soliciting applications for the Proposition 68 Lower LA River Grant Program (Grant). This competitive Grant program supports developing urban recreation projects, habitat protection or restoration projects, community access, and natural resource protection. Multi-benefit and nature-based solutions are a priority, which includes funding to support climate change impacts on fish and wildlife, habitat restoration, and activities that accelerate climate smart management of California’s natural and working lands and help meet the State’s 2030 Green House Gas reduction goals.
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is requesting City Council authorization to approve a grant application for the 51st Street Greenbelt Project (Project) requesting $2,000,000 in funds. Funds awarded through the Grant would contribute to the success of the City of Long Beach's (City) efforts to provide healthy and safe park spaces and increase the funding needed to complete the 51st Street Greenbelt Project.
The Project will create additional open space in a park deficient neighborhood, provide connectivity to the nearby Los Angeles River Regional Bike Path, and address storm water capture. Components of the project include planting carbon sequestering trees, native and drought resistant plants, a new pedestrian walking path, trash receptacles, lighting, irrigation, hydration stations, and bioswales for storm water capture and ground water replenishment.
The Project was identified as being the most competitive considering the grant criteria in that it:
• Is close to shovel-ready
• Is within RMC’s priority area along the Los Angeles River
• Restores or enhances habitat while providing high carbon sequestration benefits
• Improves public open space (natural landscapes and/or urban greenspaces), to increase access to nature and low impact recreation for all communities
• Promotes healthy lifestyles and improves the environment, providing additional social, economic, and environmental benefits
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on March 14, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 22, 2023.
SUSTAINABILITY
The project will provide green buffers between the community and nearby port goods movement activities by reducing impacts from the nearby I-710 freeway from freight operations including emissions, traffic, and noise. The project will help mitigate air quality and improve water quality by planting carbon-capturing trees and landscaping that emphasizes nature-based solutions to filter stormwater contaminants.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 11, 2023, to adopt the Resolution required for submittal within 60 days of the grant application deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the City will receive grant funds up to $2,000,000 for the Project. No matching funds are required for this grant opportunity. City staff will return to the City Council to accept and appropriate grant funds if awarded. A portion of the project is currently supported by a grant from the Port of Long Beach through its Parks and Open Space program in the amount of $999,115 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER