TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept the following grant funds for the DeForest Wetlands project: $1 million from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the California Resources Agency River Parkways Grant Program; increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW) by $3.5 million; and execute any documents necessary for the administration of the projects. (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, also known as Proposition 84. Proposition 84 authorized the legislature to create a number of grant programs, including the river protection and restoration program within the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC), and the California Resources Agency River Parkways Grant Program (California Resources) within the Office of the Secretary of Resources. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) has actively pursued several Proposition 84 grants for the development of the DeForest Wetlands project. On May 13, 2008, the City Council authorized PRM to apply for grant funding through RMC, and on October 21, 2008, the City Council authorized PRM to apply for grant funding through California Resources. Recently, PRM was notified of the award of grant funding in the amount of $1 million from RMC, and the award of grant funding in the amount of $2.5 million from California Resources.
The DeForest Wetlands project is located on Los Angeles County Public Works (County) property. PRM and the Department of Public Works are working with the County to obtain all required permits in order to complete the project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on March 17, 2011 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 29, 2011.
SUSTAINABILITY
This project is an integral part of the overall River Link Project along the Los Angeles River. Sustainable principles included in this project are on-site storm water management, habitat restoration, native planting, and environmental education opportunities.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on April 12, 2011, in order to allow timely execution of pertinent documents and to continue the design and development process.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase of $3.5 million is requested for the following grant awards: $1 million from the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, and $2.5 million from the California Resources Agency River Parkways Grant Program. These grants do not require matching funds or in-kind services. City staff time for eligible project management and grant administration will be charged directly to these projects in order to recover allowable administrative costs. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs. To date, a total of 20 jobs have been created by the DeForest Wetlands project.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER