TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making certain findings regarding the design and construction of certain public improvements in the DeForest detention basin, along the east side of the Los Angeles River between DeForest Park and Del Amo Boulevard, using North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area Funds. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2000, the California Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) identified the DeForest Street
and Dominguez Gap detention basins (which form a contiguous, two-mile corridor along
the east side of the Los Angeles River) as potential sites for wetlands restoration (Exhibit
A). City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) staff have
since pursued this opportunity to create wetlands in the DeForest detention basin; and in
February 2000, the Conservancy authorized a $300.000 grant to the City of Long Beach
to conduct a feasibility study. Completed in Summer 2002, the study demonstrated that
wetlands, trails, and new public-use facilities to support passive recreational and
educational activities could be developed.
Independently, in February 2001, the Los Angeles Department of Public Works (DPW)
completed a feasibility study for the Dominguez Gap Spreading Grounds. Since the City
of Long Beach and DPW were both ready to conduct design and environmental review for
preferred alternatives from their respective feasibility studies, they agreed to proceed
jointly with the next phase. The Conservancy authorized a $400.000 grant to DPW for
preliminary design and environmental review for both projects. Joint design has ensured
that the habitat, recreational elements, and infrastructure are complementary across the
neighboring basins. DPW and PRM staff have worked cooperatively to oversee
development of preliminary designs for both project sites.
It is hoped that this important multi-agency wetlands restoration project will continue to
move fotward with development. The next step will be to complete the California
Environ...
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