TITLE
Recommendation to adopt attached resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application, through the California River Parkways Grant Program, to the California Resources Agency in the amount of
$6 million for the DeForest Wetlands project; and to execute any documents necessary for the implementation and administration of the project at a total cost of $6 million. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2002, California voters passed the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal
and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Act), also known as Proposition 50. The Act
authorized the Legislature to create the California River Parkways Grant Program,
within the Office of the Secretary of Resources, to oversee the awarding of $40.5 million
statewide to river parkway projects. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine
proposes to apply for funding for the DeForest Wetlands project (Project), which is
located along the east bank of the Los Angeles River (Attachment A). The Project will
provide for the development of a multi-functional wetlands and recreational facility in the
Los Angeles County Flood Control District Market Street Detention Basin, which is
south of DeForest Park along the Los Angeles River south to Del Amo Boulevard.
In 2002, at the request of the City and the California Coastal Conservancy, the
engineering firm of CH2M Hill completed a feasibility study at the site. The purpose of
the study was to: 1) Evaluate the feasibility of conversion and restoration to wetlands
and riparian habitats at the DeForest Nature .Center site, along the Los Angeles River
Market Street Detention Basin; 2) Determine what public use elements could be
included in the plans to enhance recreational use and enjoyment of the site; and 3)
Determine if the quality of water used at the site would be sufficiently improved after
passing through the created on-site wetlands. The results of the study were very
positive for all outcomes. Last fall, the design phase of the proje...
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