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 Investments Urban Greening Program, for the 51st Street Greenbelt project; accept said grant, if awarded, in an amount up to $2,000,000 for completion of the project; and execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In January 2017, the California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) began soliciting applications for the Urban Greening Program Grant (Grant), funded by California Climate Investments, the statewide cap-and-trade program. This competitive Grant provides funding for projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that provide multiple additional benefits, such as a decrease in air and water pollution or a reduction in the consumption of natural resources and energy.
The Agency was allocated $24.7 million for the Urban Greening Program, specifically earmarked for green infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and provide multiple benefits. A minimum of 75 percent of awarded funds are required to go toward disadvantaged and low-income communities.
In addition to the reduction of GHG emissions, the requirements for allocating funds to benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities are stated below:
· Allocate at least 25 percent of the available proceeds to projects that provide benefits to disadvantaged communities;
· Allocate at least five percent of the available proceeds to projects located within disadvantaged communities; and,
· Allocate at least five percent of the available proceeds to projects located within and benefiting individuals living in low-income communities, or benefiting low-income households that are within a half-mile of a disadvantaged community.
The City of Long Beach’s (City) 51st Street Greenbelt project (Project) will transform 0.97 acres of undeve...
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