TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to California State Parks and Recreation through the Recreational Trails Program in the amount of $257,813 for the replacement of two trail bridges at the El Dorado Nature Center, at a total estimated cost of $292,970. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is requesting approval to apply for grant funding to replace two wooden trail bridges at the EI Dorado Nature Center (Nature Center). The Nature Center was developed in 1969, with the museum building located on an island connected to the main area of the Nature Center by two bridges.
One large trail bridge connects the Nature Center museum to the entrance area and a parking lot on the east, and a second smaller trail bridge connects the museum to the trails and habitat on the west (Attachment A).
Over the past 40 years, the wooden bridges have been heavily used by the public visiting the Nature Center, but do not meet current ADA requirements. In addition, the bridges have deteriorated due to age and being exposed to the elements, and they have become infested with termites. Due to all of these factors, the bridges have now reached the end of their usable lifespan. Currently, staff must spend an increasing amount of time and funds to maintain the bridges at a usable level. If awarded, grant funds will provide for the replacement of both wooden bridges.
PRM is applying for a total of $257,813 in grant funding from California State Parks and Recreation through the Recreational Trails Program, at a total estimated project cost of $292,970. The grant requires 12 percent in matching funds, which totals $35,157. Of the $35,157, PRM staff time to manage the project accounts for $8,000, with Partners of Parks donating $27,157 in funds designated for the Nature Center. The Recreational Trails Program provides funds annually for recreational trails and trails-related projects through federal highway transportation funds administered at the state level by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson reviewed this matter and prepared the attached Resolution on August 25, 2008, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell reviewed this matter on August 27,2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action to approve the Resolution is requested on September 16, 2008, in order to allow submission of the grant application to California State Parks and Recreation by the October 1,2008, deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of this project is estimated at $292,970. Grant monies will offset 88 percent, or $257,813 of the project, with the remaining 12 percent paid by a donation from Partners of Parks and staff time already budgeted in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine. The project will not impact the General Fund.
Should the grant application be selected for funding, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to accept and appropriate the grant funding and Partners of Parks funding.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION FOR FUNDING FROM THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM FOR THE EL DORADO NATURE CENTER TRAIL BRIDGES PROJECT
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |