TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents necessary to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD), to accept and expend funding in the amount of $3,000,000, for the El Dorado Regional Project from the Safe, Clean Water Program’s (Measure W) Regional Program Transfer Agreement No. 2020RPLSGR06;
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department in the amount of $3,000,000, offset by Measure W revenue from LACFCD; and
Increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department by $3,000,000, offset by transfer of Measure W revenue from LACFCD funds from the Capital Project Grant Fund. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
On November 6, 2018, Measure W was successfully passed by Los Angeles County voters, which created the Safe Clean Water Program (SCWP). The SCWP provides local, dedicated funding for stormwater and urban runoff programs and projects to increase local water supply, improve water quality, and protect public health. With the approval of the SCWP, the first annual parcel tax was collected through property tax bills in Fiscal Year 2019/2020.
SCWP revenues will be allocated as follows:
• 50 percent distributed among nine watershed areas, to be programmed by the respective Watershed Area Steering Committees (WASCs) to fund stormwater projects and programs at the regional watershed level;
• 40 percent allocated directly to municipalities, proportional to the tax revenues collected within their boundaries, to fund local stormwater programs and projects; and
• 10 to the LACFCD for program administration, which includes technical assistance and staff support for the WASCs.
The City of Long Beach (City) is in the Lower San Gabriel River (LSGR) watershed area under the SCWP. The LSGR watershed area is estimated to receive up to $16.67 million annually to fund regional projects and programs. Regional Program funds for the LSGR are programmed by the LSGR WASC, comprised of local stakeholders from agencies, municipalities, and community members from within the LSGR. The LSGR WASC meets regularly to develop funding plans and recommendations to provide water quality, water supply, and community enhancement benefits to the region.
The El Dorado Regional Project will entail the development of an expansive 13.9-acre-foot treatment wetland system consisting of a series of seven hydraulically-connected pools at El Dorado Regional Park. Portions of dry and wet weather flows will be diverted to the wetlands. The project will enhance the existing green space and create new recreational opportunities in addition to providing substantial pollutant reduction for runoff to Coyote Creek.
The City applied for SCWP Regional Program funds for the design phase of the El Dorado Regional Project in December 2019, and was later implemented into the Stormwater Investment Plan (SIP) for five years of regional funding. There is no match requirement for SCWP regional funds.
On October 13, 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the SCWP Transfer Agreement and the SIP for the Regional Program, which will need to be executed between the City and LACFCD. The transfer agreement for the Regional Program will disburse funds to the City over a five-year period for the design phase of the El Dorado Regional Project. The disbursement of funds is in accordance with the approved SIP and is as follows:
FY 2020/2021: $ 900,000
FY 2021/2022: $1,500,000
FY 2022/2023: $ 600,000
FY 2023/2024: $ 0
FY 2024/2025: $ 0
TOTAL: $3,000,000
Following receipt of the signed Transfer Agreement by the LACFCD, the LACFCD will disburse the FY 2020/2021 allocation to the City within 45 days.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber and by Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on March 3, 2021.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 23, 2021, to secure the City’s participation in the LACFCD SCWP Regional Program.
FISCAL IMPACT
The design of the El Dorado Regional Project will cost approximately $3,000,000 and is fully funded by Measure W funds made available under the SCWP Regional Program over a five-year period. There will be no impact to the City’s General Fund Group. All eligible expenses will be fully offset by Measure W funds and no matching funds are required. Total project construction costs will be determined further into the design phase. City staff will request additional funding for construction after the design plans have been completed and return to the City Council to request an appropriation increase for construction costs once funding has been secured.
An appropriation increase in the amount of $6,000,000 is requested in the Capital Projects Fund Group in the Public Works Department. Of this amount, $3,000,000 will be offset with Measure W revenues received from the LACFCD. The remaining $3,000,000 is a technical appropriation to allow for the transfer of Measure W funds from the Capital Projects Grant Fund, a fund within the Capital Projects Fund Group. 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
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
ERIC LOPEZ
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER