TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to accept grant funding from the State Water Resources Control Board for the Colorado Lagoon Dredging Project; increase appropriations in the Tidelands Operation Fund (TF) in the Department of Community Development (CD) in the amount of $1,799,803; authorize City Manager to execute a grant agreement and any amendments thereto; and authorize City Manager to execute an amendment to Agreement No. 30947 between the City of Long Beach and LSA Associates for Regulatory Permitting and Environmental Professional Services, in an amount not to exceed $33,000, and any amendments to the contract necessary to extend the term, amend the scope of work, or adjust the fee schedule of hourly rates for inflation in the extended term. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
The Colorado Lagoon (Lagoon) is a 28.3-acre tidal lagoon located in the middle of a suburban neighborhood. A Vicinity Map is attached. It serves three main functions: 1.) Hosting sensitive estuarine habitat; 2.) Providing public recreation (including swimming); and; 3.) Retaining and conveying storm flows. A Master Restoration Plan for Colorado Lagoon (Master Plan) has been developed and is currently being implemented.
On December 15, 2009, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with ARB Inc., to begin major construction on the initial phase of the Master Plan. This construction effort will be completed by November 2010, and will help to significantly improve water quality and prevent recontamination by redirecting urban runoff into the sanitary sewer system. The next major phase of the construction effort at the Lagoon will involve dredging and removal of contaminated sediments that have accumulated over time. On October 1,2009, the Regional Water Quality Control Board voted to adopt Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) for the Colorado Lagoon, which establishes targets for water and sediment quality that must be achieved within seven years, in accordance with the Federal Clean Water Act. The TMDL established for the Colorado Lagoon were stricter than anticipated, and has resulted in a significantly revised dredging footprint and a significant commensurate increase in costs.
Accordingly, City staff has worked to secure funding for the mandated dredging project.
On March 16, 2010, the State Water Resources Control Board voted to allocate $1,799,803 from the State's Cleanup and Abatement Account to help fund the required dredging. Additional funding for this dredging project is being sought from the State Coastal Conservancy, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and other local, state and federal funding agencies. While additional funding is being identified, LSA Associates will assist City staff with revising the project's regulatory agency permits and ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act.
This report was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on May 10, 2010 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 11, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on June 15, 2010, in order to accept the grant funding and proceed with the Lagoon restoration efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT
An appropriation increase in the amount of $1,799,803 is requested in the Tidelands Operation Fund (TF) in the Department of Community Development (CD). There is no impact to the General Fund associated with this request. These grant funds will be used for construction activities, which will help generate an estimated 48 direct and indirect construction related jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS J. THYS
DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
NAME |
APPROVED: |
TITLE |
|
|
|
|
PATRICK H. WEST |
|
CITY MANAGER |