TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Grants and Local Services for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program for the El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration Project; if awarded, accept an amount up to $3,000,000 for completion of the El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration Project; and, execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the project. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
In January 2022, the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) began soliciting applications for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant (Grant). This competitive Grant provides funding to local agencies and community-based organizations for the acquisition or development of outdoor recreation features that increase opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. The Land and Water Conservation Fund was signed into law in September 1964 and the program is administered by the National Parks Service with funds allocated to the State of California and administered by State Parks.
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is requesting the City Council’s authorization to submit a grant application requesting up to $3,000,000 in funds. Funds awarded through the Grant would be applied to the El Dorado Duck Pond Restoration Project (Project). The duck pond is in critical need of repairs to repair the pumps that have failed, replace the pond lining, and replace buckling sidewalks with accessible paths.
The City Council awarded the construction contract for the Project on December 7, 2021. At the time of award, the Project was underfunded by approximately $2,013,816. If awarded the Grant, the City of Long Beach (City) anticipates anywhere from $1-3 million in funding from State Parks to be used as project gap funding. Upon completion of the Project, the land within the Project site will be placed under permanent federal protection to preserve the public’s outdoor recreational use of the site in perpetuity.
The Project was identified as being the most competitive considering the Grant criteria in that it:
• Is shovel-ready
• Will benefit the wellness of seniors, people with disabilities,
• Will improve an existing park, and
• Has funds available to meet the 50 percent match requirement.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on March 8, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 24, 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project will install a new reclaimed water irrigation system that will service the adjacent El Dorado Golf Course by providing a new source of water in a manner that is consistent with the City’s water conservation efforts. It will also provide a clean water source for the habitat at the duck pond.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 12, 2022, to adopt the Resolution required to be submitted as part of the Grant application.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the City will receive grant funds up to $3,000,000 for the Project. A 50 percent match requirement will be met using the following existing project funds: $2,800,000 in Measure W funds, $2,254,000 in Measure A funds, $1,117,000 from the Long Beach Water Department, $300,000 in grant funding from the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Space Prop A funds, and $515,184 in one-time General Capital Funds currently appropriated in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. City staff will return to the City Council to accept and appropriate funds if awarded. 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.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER