TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept $1,500,000 in grant funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy for the DeForest Wetlands project; increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP 201) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $1,500,000; and execute any documents necessary for the administration of the 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, also known as Proposition 84. Proposition 84 authorized the legislature to create a number of grant programs, including those that prevent degradation of coastal watershed, protect and restore the natural habitat values of coastal lands, and promote access to and enjoyment of the coastal resources. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) has actively pursued several Proposition 84 grants for the development of the DeForest Wetlands project. On October 4, 2011, the City Council authorized PRM to apply for grant funding through the California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy), and on November 10, 2011, the Conservancy authorized the disbursement of $1,500,000 to the City of Long Beach (City) for restoration of 39 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat.
The DeForest Wetlands project is located along the east bank of the Los Angeles River in the Los Angeles County Public Works Flood Control District Market Street Detention Basin (Attachment). The project will provide for the development of 39 acres of wetland, riparian, and upland habitat, publicly accessible trails, and educational interpretive signage along the Los Angeles River, from DeForest Park to Del Amo Boulevard. Additional funding for the development of the DeForest Wetlands is provided by additional grants received from the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District, Califor...
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