TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency, through the California Climate Investment Urban Greening Program, for the completion of the 14th Street Park project; accept such grant funding, in an amount up to $3,125,000; and, execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the project. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, Assembly Bill (AB) 32 was signed into law. Known as the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, it requires a sharp reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Senate Bill (SB) 859 was signed into law September 14, 2016, authorizing the expenditure of $1.2 billion in Cap and Trade Revenues, known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), for projects that aim to reduce GHG emissions. The California Natural Resources Agency was allocated $80 million for its Urban Greening Program, specifically for green infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and provide multiple additional benefits.
In addition to reducing GHG emissions, the requirements for allocating funds to benefit disadvantaged communities are presented below:
• Maximize economic, environmental, and public health benefits to the State;
• Complement efforts to improve air quality;
• Direct investment toward the most disadvantaged communities and households in the State;
• Provide opportunities for businesses, public agencies, nonprofits, and other community institutions to participate in and benefit from statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Lessen the impacts and effects of climate change on the State’s communities, economy, and environment;
• Allocate at least 25 percent of the available proceeds to projects that provide benefits to disadvantaged communities; and,
• Allocate at least 10 percent of the available proceeds to projects located within disadvantaged communities.
In March 2017, the California Natural Resources Agency began soliciting competitive grant applications for eligible projects that combine the goal of reducing GHG emissions and provide multiple additional benefits, including a decrease in air and water pollution or a reduction in the consumption of natural resources and energy.
As the first step of a two-phased grant application process, the grant agency requested one-page concept proposals, which were reviewed in advance of the full application. Projects that most clearly met the grant objectives and were most competitive were identified by the grant agency. The City submitted multiple concept proposals for park projects and the grant agency provided feedback that the 14th Street Park project concept was the most competitive and met multiple grant objectives, including creating community connections through parks, bike and pedestrian improvements; stormwater retention and improvements; and, maximizing tree planting.
As a result of the feedback provided during the concept phase, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is submitting an application for the completion of the 14th Street Park project. The project scope includes community outreach and finalization of the Master Plan and Park Concepts; design; construction and park improvements to make the area more pedestrian friendly; connecting currently separated blocks to calm adjacent traffic; upgrading irrigation; onsite storm water capture; reforesting park segments; upgrading park amenities to meet ADA and safety standards; and, general permanent site improvements that support use of the re-envisioned space, such as fencing, signage, benches, trash/recycle bins, and landscaping.
This project has received Categorical Exemption (CE 15-139) through the West Long Beach Livability Implementation Plan, which was approved by the City Council on November 17, 2015.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on May 15, 2017 and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on May 17, 2017.
SUSTAINABILITY
The grant funding will support the following improvements:
• Water efficiency and storm water capture to prevent run-off;
• Replacement of dead and diseased trees;
• Extend the useful life of park amenities; and,
• Create more productive and healthy outdoor activities.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 13, 2017, to submit the Resolution to the California Natural Resources Agency by the grant deadline of June 30, 2017.
FISCAL IMPACT
If grant funding of $3,125,000 is awarded, this amount will offset the direct project costs. The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. City staff time directly related to project management can be charged directly to the project; however, City administrative costs are not eligible for reimbursement. If awarded, an appropriation increase will be requested for the grant funds prior to project initiation. This recommendation will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
MARIE KNIGHT
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER