TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy for the Colorado Lagoon Project; if awarded, accept an amount up to $1,500,000 in State General Fund funding; and execute all documents necessary to accept the funds. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
As part of the California Budget Act of 2021, the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) $11.1 million was approved over three years through the Climate Resilience package in the State’s budget. The funding is intended to support investments that address the climate risks within RMC’s jurisdictions, which ultimately contributes to the State’s overall promotion of climate resiliency. The funds will build community resilience where resources are most needed by investing in multi-benefit and nature-based solutions, which includes climate change impacts on fish and wildlife, habitat restoration, and activities that accelerate innovative climate management of California’s natural and working lands and help meet the State’s 2030 Green House Gases (GHG) reduction goals.
The RMC has an open call for Climate Resilience Grant Program applications for projects that support or promote climate resilience, wildfire prevention, community access, and natural resource protection. The Colorado Lagoon Project (Project) is an 18-acre saltwater tidal lagoon hydraulically connected to Alamitos Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It serves three primary functions: hosting estuarine habitat, providing public recreation (including swimming), and retaining and conveying stormwater. Improvements to the lagoon are part of a multi-phased plan, including previous improvements in 2010 and 2012. The final component of the Colorado Lagoon's approved master restoration plan involves creating an open channel between the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium. The key benefits of the project includes improving lagoon water quality and circulation, improving and restoring the lagoon's natural habitat to establish and support native plant and animal communities, and enhancing the lagoon's value as a recreational resource by providing a walking trail that extends through areas that currently provide no public access. The Project aligns with the RMC's Climate Resilience Grant Program goals and objectives. City Council approval is requested to apply for up to $1,500,000 in grant funds for the Project. If awarded, the funds will be used to cover public access improvements and the rising costs associated with material supply shortages facing the work.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Erin Weesner-McKinley on October 3, 2022 and by Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on October 17, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 1, 2022, to ensure a Resolution authorizing the submittal of the application is prepared, as required in the application package.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total estimated cost of the Project was originally projected to be $32,539,000, which includes all project delivery costs such as design, construction, construction management and oversight, inspection, environmental monitoring, and labor compliance. The project is supported by $32,000,000 from the Harbor Department memorandum of understanding (MOU) as approved by Council in 2019 and 2022, and $539,205 of Tidelands Capital Improvement Projects funding which are appropriated in the Tidelands Operations Fund Group in the Public Works Department. It is anticipated that the total estimated cost of the Project will increase due to material supply shortages and other increasing costs related to the Project.
If awarded, up to $1,500,000 in RMC funding will be used to cover anticipated funding shortfalls associated with cost increases. The grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. Although, priority will be given to projects committed to a matching contribution. Therefore, an $800,000 match will be committed. The match will be supported by Tidelands Capital Improvement Projects funding which is appropriated in the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Public Works Department.
No appropriation is requested at this time. Upon grant award, staff will return to the City Council with a request for appropriation, offset by grant revenue. 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