TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) for the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment Recycle Facility, and execute all document and agreements necessary to apply for Proposition 1 funding throughout RMC territory grant funds; and
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary amendments and supporting documents, with the Gateway Water Management Authority to accept and expend Proposition 1 grant funding for Lower Los Angeles River Corridor from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles RMC, for the design and construction of the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment Expansion Project. (Districts 1,7,9)
DISCUSSION
In November 2014, voters passed The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Prop 1), codified as Division 26.7 of the Water Code. Prop 1 authorizes $7.545 billion in general obligation bonds for State water projects, including surface and groundwater storage, ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, and drinking water protection.
The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) has two active Prop 1 call-for-projects:
1. Prop 1 throughout RMC territory (Prop 1 Round 2) is open from October 16, 2018 through December 16, 2018 with $10,800,000 available.
2. Prop 1 for Lower Los Angeles River Corridor (Prop 1 LLR) is an open call that began on September 16, 2018 with $41,400,000 available. Prop 1 LLR funds are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will be distributed quarterly until funds are expended.
The City of Long Beach (City) is an active member in the Gateway Water Management Authority (GWMA), which is comprised of 29 cities and water agencies responsible for coordinating the regional watershed needs of 2 million people in the Gateway Region.
Prop 1 Round 2
On December 15, 2015, the City Council adopted a Resolution authorizing a grant application to the RMC for the benefit of the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (LB-MUST) project. On September 26, 2016, the RMC Governing Board authorized $2,000,000 in Prop 1 Round 1 funding for the wetland habitat areas to be constructed as part of the LB-MUST project. During the design phase of the project, the proposed wetlands location was relocated to avoid impacts with the Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project. The new proposed wetlands were moved immediately across from the proposed LB-MUST facility. The new location provides greater synergy but will require removal of existing concrete and asphalt hardscape and demolition work. City Council approval is requested to apply for $2,000,000 in RMC Prop 1 Round 2 grant funds to fully cover the increased wetland construction costs. If awarded, the funds will be used to cover the funding shortfall associated with the additional scope of work and costs associated with the relocated wetland design.
Prop 1 LLR Grant Application (GWMA)
For Prop 1 LLR, GWMA identified and prioritized projects that significantly benefit the Gateway Region. One of those projects is the LB-MUST Expansion Project, which benefits the region and is consistent with the RMC program and Prop 1 objectives. The LB-MUST Expansion Project proposes to install urban greening, biofiltration, and wetland components along Willow Street and Artesia Boulevard, near the Los Angeles River, and will serve disadvantaged communities. The estimated total cost of the project is $4,000,000 which covers all necessary rights-of-way, design, construction, and inspection.
On October 11, 2018, the GWMA Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the submittal of a grant application to the RMC requesting $4,000,000 in Prop 1 LLR grant funds and to execute the grant agreement and any amendments. The grant application will be submitted by the GWMA on behalf of the City. If awarded, an agreement between the GWMA and the City would need to be executed to hold the GWMA responsible for administration of the grant funds. The City would be responsible for ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) costs including trash pickup and landscape maintenance. O&M costs are anticipated for FY 21; however, costs are currently unknown. The Public Works Department will seek additional funding sources if the grant is awarded and as the project moves forward. If the City does not secure the grant, the City will not initiate the proposed project and will not be responsible additional, ongoing costs.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on November 14, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on November 26, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 11, 2018, to ensure the grant application is submitted by the grant deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the City will receive grant funds up to $6,000,000 for the specified projects. RMC Prop 1 Round 2 grant funds of $2,000,000 will fully cover the additional scope of work and costs associated with the relocated wetland design including removal of existing concrete and asphalt hardscape and demolition work. Prop 1 LLR (GWMA) grant funds of up to $4,000,000 will be used towards the LB-MUST Expansion Project and is anticipated to fully fund the estimated project costs including design, construction, and inspection. If awarded, GWMA will be responsible for grant administration and management. In turn, the City will be responsible for ongoing O&M costs of the location. Costs are anticipated to start in FY 21; however, costs are currently unknown. If the project is initiated, the Department will seek on-going funding opportunities to support O&M costs as the project moves forward. The LB-MUST Expansion Project will only proceed if the grant funding is awarded.
The grants do not have a match requirement. Upon grant award, staff will return to the City Council with a request for appropriation, offset by grant revenues. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER