TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the State of California, Division of Boating and Waterways, for the Local Assistance Boat Launching Facility grant program. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
As part of its commitment to provide clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational boating and beach activities in California, and to preserve and protect the California shoreline, the State of California, Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), offers grant funds to cities, counties, districts, and other public and private agencies through various programs.
One of these programs is the Local Assistance Boat Launching Facility (BLF) grant program. This program offers funding for projects related to boat launch ramps. Awarded grants can cover the cost of planning, permitting, design development, equipment, and the renovation of existing launch ramps. Some of the allowable projects with BLF grant funding include parking area development/improvement, restrooms (including potable water and sewer, if accessible), path of travel (to meet accessibility requirements), boat launching facility breakwater protection, security lighting, dredging (as part of development of a new launch ramp or improvement to an existing ramp), accessibility improvements, project permitting, pay kiosk stations, simple signage, facility entrance/exit adjustments to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, and boating safety improvements.
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine has identified the renovation and modernization of Davies Launch Ramp (Davies) as an excellent project in which the BLF grant funds could be utilized.
Davies is located on the east side of Long Beach in Alamitos Bay, near the intersection of 2nd Street and Marina Drive. Davies features seven launch lanes, 185 parking stalls, restrooms, and boat wash stations. The Davies facility serves approximately 27,000 trailered vessel launches each year.
The proposed Davies renovation and modernization project will address significant public access limitations. Davies’ parking area is in serious disrepair, with deteriorated paving, worn stripping, poorly marked driving areas, limited lighting, and a lack of ADA compliant spaces. All of these factors contribute to public safety and equal access concerns. The proposed ADA improvements will advance the City of Long Beach (City) commitment to provide equal access to all in connection with the Davies facility.
Some of the proposed upgrades presented in the grant application include replacement of concrete dock (350 linear feet); piles and gangway; revetment repair (single layer 1/4 ton stone); replacement launch ramp; replacement restroom (approximately 800 square feet); sidewalk; parking lot resurface, including grind and overlay (approximately 220,000 square feet); stripping plan; signage; fire protection system; potable water system; sewage station pumpouts; waste dumpster enclosure; boat wash station; and area lighting. These improvements will create a cleaner, safer, and more accessible boat launch area, which will allow for more people to enjoy the water.
The estimated overall cost for the project is $4,160,000. The City’s grant application requests funding for the entirety of the project. The DBW grant is competitive; therefore, the City may be awarded some or all of the requested BLF funds, if the grant application is successful. The project components are designed to allow for completion of various phases, as grant funding is awarded. The City is under no obligation to complete the entire project if only partial funding is received.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Robin Zur Schmiede on July 28, 2016 and by Budget Operations Administrator Grace Yoon on August 3, 2016.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 23, 2016, to meet the State of California, Division of Boating and Waterways, grant application submittal requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City’s application to the BLF grant program is successful, additional City Council action will be sought to accept the award and appropriate the funds. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
MARIE KNIGHT
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER