TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into a grant agreement with California State Coastal Conservancy, to accept and expend grant funding, in the amount of $500,000, for a period of three years; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department in the amount of $500,000, offset by grant revenue. (Districts 1,7,8,9)
DISCUSSION
On March 6, 2020, the California Coastal Conservancy approved the authorization to disburse up to $500,000 to the City of Long Beach (City) to construct a one-acre wetland as part of the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment Project (LB-MUST) (Project).
The Project will construct a stormwater treatment facility and new wetland habitat area near the Shoemaker Bridge, at 901 DeForest Avenue. The goal of the Project is to improve stormwater quality in Long Beach to benefit aquatic life and recreational beach activities. By capturing and cleaning urban stormwater runoff, the Project will reduce pollution that would otherwise be discharged into the Los Angeles River (LAR) and enter Long Beach’s beaches. The recycled water byproduct will help sustain a wetland habitat proposed as part of the Project. These activities ensure compliance with the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
The Project met the guidelines of the California Coast Conservancy Grant (Grant). The Grant contributes funding to projects that are multi-benefit such as improving water quality, water supply, and watershed protection. The Project provides these benefits with the construction of a centralized water treatment facility, creation of a green space featuring educational signage, a wetland, and landscaped trails. City Council approval is requested to accept and expend up to $500,000 in grant funds for the Project.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on May 5, 2020 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 12, 2020.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project is expected to achieve Envision Platinum certification, and the LB-MUST Facility is expected to be LEED Silver certified. Additionally, treated stormwater from the LB-MUST Facility will provide potable water offset by sustaining the proposed wetland and potentially irrigating other City facilities, providing future water resiliency.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 2, 2020, to ensure the grant application is accepted and expended by the grant deadline. A Resolution authorizing acceptance is required per the grant guidelines.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the LB-MUST Project is currently estimated at $42,800,000, which includes design, construction, construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project oversight. The total cost is partially supported by $28,000,000 from the California Department of Transportation grant funding, $2,000,000 in grant funding from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, $1,000,000 from the Harbor Department (Port) Community Infrastructure Grant Program, $428,000 from City Capital Projects funds, and $500,000 from the California Coastal Conservancy Grant. An appropriation increase of $500,000 in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department is requested, offset by grant revenue. This grant does not have a match requirement. The remaining project cost of $10,872,000 is anticipated to be covered by parcel tax revenue generated by Los Angeles County’s Measure W to improve and increase water supply and quality.
This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE GRANT OF FUNDS FROM THE STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY FOR THE LONG BEACH MUNICIPAL URBAN STORMWATER TREATMENT RECYCLE FACILITY PROJECT
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER