TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Memorandum of Understanding for Coordination of Water Resources Planning Relating to Proposition 50 Grant Funding and Implementation. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002 (Proposition 50), provides $380 million in competitive grants for projects to improve water supply,. improve water quality, and protect native habitats and open space. The program, administered by the California Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board, limits grants to regions with Integrated Regional Water Management Plans (IRWMP), and has provided funding for the creation of those plans. Under the leadership of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, the many agencies within the Greater Los Angeles County Region that deal with water supply, sanitation, storm water management, water quality, and habitat and open space preservation, have been participating in the process of developing an IRWMP for Los Angeles County. The draft IRWMP that was produced has been accepted by the State agencies. The subject Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes the City's commitment to coordinate with other agencies in the planning and implementation of projects and programs funded through Proposition 50, and to seek other funding that may become available.
The subject MOU does not require City action beyond coordination through Proposition 50. However, the recently approved Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Beach Protection Act of 2006 (Proposition 84), provides $1 billion in additional funding for grants through the IRWMP process. Of this additional funding, $215 million is earmarked for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, compared to $25 million granted to Los Angeles County originating under the first of the two rounds of Proposition 50 funding.
Addressing all water, habitat, and open space related issues for Los Angeles County within a one-year plan has necessitated that the issues be dealt with in an aggregate manner. It is anticipated that sub-regions within the overall plan will work together in the following year to add more detail to the IRWMP. Long Beach belongs to the Lower San Gabriel and Los Angeles River sub-regional watershed, and will be working through the Gateway Cities organization to provide that refinement to the IRWMP.
The City of Long Beach did not receive funding during the first round of the Proposition 50 funding, although joint projects, which included combinations of the Water, Parks, Recreation and Marine, and Public Works Departments, did make the final level of consideration and scored well. The second round of funding will begin in mid 2007. The Water Commission is scheduled to review the MOU at their December 7,2006, Board Meeting.
The City is not required to sign the MOU, however, greater participation by local agencies will encourage the State to fund Los Angeles County located projects and give the City more of a voice in influencing the policies and funding priorities of the IRWMP.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson on December 1, 2006, and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on December 1, 2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 12, 2006, as the plan adoption deadline is at the end of 2006. However, approval by the City of Long Beach is not necessary for the plan to be adopted, and the City can join the MOU at any time in the future.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this request, as the City participates in the plan development process using existing budgeted resources.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |