HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/22/2002, C3 - AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT FUNDS FROM (1) THE STATE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE HABIT council 'a122-oz
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C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Wendy George,Assistant City Administrative Officer LNj
Prepared By: Neil Havlik,Natural Resources Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION TO APPLY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
FUNDS FROM(1)THE STATE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE
HABITAT PROGRAM,AND (2)THE STATE WATER
RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD,IN SUPPORT OF THE
PROJECT KNOWN AS THE AHEARN PROPERTY ACQUISITION
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution authorizing staff to complete and submit an application for grant monies in the
amount of$250,000 from the State Riparian and Riverine Habitat Program and $700,000 from the
State Water Resources Control Board, which would be used in support of acquisition of, and
(following acquisition) water quality improvements on, the Ahearn property at Stagecoach Road
and Highway 101.
DISCUSSION
Mr. Dennis Ahearn of San Luis Obispo is the owner of a 610-acre ranch in the upper watershed of
San Luis Obispo Creek. A portion of this property is within the City's identified greenbelt; most of
it is within the boundaries of Los Padres National Forest. It is bisected by the Cuesta Grade (map)
and contains several of the spring sources of San Luis Obispo Creek. Mr. Ahearn approached City
staff regarding the possibility of sale of the property for conservation purposes. Several sources of
grant funding are available to support this acquisition; these include the Riparian and Riverine
Habitat Program, a new State program authorized in March 2000 by Proposition 12 and
administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This program provides funding support
to "increase public recreational access, awareness, understanding, enjoyment, protection, and
restoration" of rivers and streams throughout the State, and City staff consider the Ahearn property
to be a good candidate for this source. This is due to the important wildlife habitat that the property
provides, including the upper reaches of San Luis Obispo Creek, which the City will be restoring to
steelhead access in the next year.
Another potential grant source is the Costa-Machado Water Act of 2000, approved by the voters in
March 2000 by Proposition 13, and administered by the State Water Resources Control Board. This
program provides grant funds for acquisition, protection, and enhancement of water resources
throughout the State. This is the second round of applications: the City was unsuccessful in its
application in the first round, and Regional Board staff have suggested including some water
quality enhancement work as part of the grant application, which would improve the grant's
attractiveness to reviewers. That is the reason for inclusion of the water quality improvements,
which would basically be artificial wetlands that would contain silt and allow for attenuation of
pollutants in runoff from the highway before it enters San Luis Obispo Creek.
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Council Agenda Report-Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds
Page 2
Staff continues to pursue other potential funding sources and is seeking direct funding support from
the United States Forest Service, since most of the property lies within the boundaries of Los
Padres National Forest: The project has also attracted the attention of the National Park Service, as
the property lies on the route of DeAnza National Historic Trail. We anticipate hearing on some of
our other grant applications very soon.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant, if successful, will provide outside funding to support City,acquisition of the property,
thereby providing a beneficial fiscal effect. Although neither of these grant programs has a specific
match requirement, generally having match monies leads to a higher ranking of the proposal. Staff
does foresee the likelihood of the use of City funds in the transaction; however, at this time we
cannot predict what the City's ultimate contribution may need to be, or exactly when City funds
will be needed.. Given the size of the project (approximately$2.7 million), it is important to pursue
as many grant possibilities as we can. Staff is confident that substantial outside sources of funds
are available for this project, due to the property's various Federal, highway, water quality,
recreation, and wildlife habitat nexuses.
The application deadline for both grant programs is February 1, 2002. We would expect to be
notified about the success of the grants late next spring.
ALTERNATIVE
The Council could decide not to pursue the grant monies. This is not recommended as submitting
the application does not commit either the City or Mr. Ahearn in any way;if, however;we choose
not to apply we will lose the opportunity entirely.
Attachments
1. Resolutions
2. Location Map
3. Grant Program Summaries
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ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE RIPARIAN AND
RIVERINE HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR AND COASTAL PROTECTION ACT OF 2000
FOR THE PROJECT KNOWN AS AHEARN PROPERTY ACQUISITION
WHEREAS,the People of the State of California have enacted the Riparian and Riverine
Habitat Program under the Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal
Protection Act of 2000(Proposition 12),which provides grants to local agencies to increase
public recreational access, awareness, understanding, enjoyment,protection, and restoration of
California's irreplaceable rivers and streams; and
WHEREAS,the State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the
responsibility for the administration of the program within the state, setting up necessary
procedures governing application by local agencies under the program; and
WHEREAS, said procedures established by the State Department of Parks and
Recreation require the applicant to certify by resolution the approval of the application before
submission of said application to the State; and
WHEREAS,the applicant will enter into an agreement with the State of California for
acquisition or development of the project;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the City Council of the City of San
Luis Obispo hereby:
1. Authorizes the filing of an application for the Riparian and Riverine Habitat Grant
Program for State grant assistance for the Ahearn property acquisition project for purposes of
riparian habitat protection, enhancement and public recreation; and
2. Certifies that said applicant understands the assurances and certification in the application
form; and
3. Appoints the City Administrative Officer as agent of the City to conduct all negotiations,
execute and submit all documents, including,but not limited to, applications, agreements,
amendments,payment requests and so on,which may be necessary for the completion of the
aforementioned project.
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ATTACHMENT 1
Resolution No.
Page 2
On motion of Councilmember , seconded by Councilmember ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2002.
Allen K. Settle, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
.4001f II
zwrA%wv VC
ffy G. rge n,p1ty Attorney
1
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION
TO THE STATE WATER RESOURCE CONTROL BOARD AND
CENTRAL COAST REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
FOR FUNDS OFFERED UNDER THE COSTA-MACHADO WATER ACT OF 2000
IN SUPPORT OF THE PROJECT KNOWN AS AHEARN PROPERTY ACQUISITION
WHEREAS, the State Water Resources Control Board and Central Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board have developed specific criteria to evaluate potential projects for the Costa-
Machado Water Act of 2000; and
WHEREAS, said agencies have solicited proposals from government agencies and
nonprofit organizations for consideration in disbursing monies derived from the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo hereby:
1. Authorizes the submittal of a grant proposal to the State Water Resources Control Board
and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board for grant support for the project known as
Ahearn Property Acquisition, and
2. Appoints the City Administrative Officer as agent of the City to conduct all negotiations,
execute and submit all documents, including, but not limited to, submittals, agreements,
amendments, payment requests and so on, which may be necessary for the completion of the
aforementioned proposal.
On motion of , seconded by and on the
following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2002.
Allen K. Settle,Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Lee Price, City Clerk /efYef Joy C4 Attorney
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Location Map
City of San Luis Obispo
GREENBELT PROTECTION PROGRAM
Ahearn Property
San Luis Obispo, CA.
U. S. G. S. Quadrangles: San Luis Obispo, Lopez Mountain
1"= 2,000'approx.
ATTACHMENT 3
II. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
2000 Bond Act Intent
The Safe Neighborhood Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond
Act of 2000, responding to the recreational and open-space needs of a growing
population and expanding urban communities, is intended to revive state Stewardship of
natural resources by investing in neighborhood parks and state parks, clean water
protection and coastal beaches and scenic areas.
Program Intent
The intent of the Riparian and Riverine Habitat Program is to provide funds on a
competitive basis to increase public recreational access, awareness, understanding,
enjoyment, protection, and Restoration of California's irreplaceable rivers and streams.
Amount of Funds Available
$10,000,000 is available. This Program does not require matching funds.
Minimum and Maximum Grant Amounts
The minimum grant amount for a Project is $20,000 and the maximum grant amount is
$400,000.
Eligible Applicants
The following entities are eligible to apply for these Program funds:
• Cities
• Counties
• Eligible Districts (see definitions)
• Local Agencies formed for park purposes
• Federally recognized California Indian Tribes
Eligible Projects:
An eligible Project shall include the Acquisition, Development, or improvement of
recreation areas, open space, parks, and trails in close proximity to rivers and streams.
In addition, an eligible Project shall include a Riparian or Riverine habitat enhancement
element and also provide for public access.
Riparian and Riverine Habitat Procedural Guide $
03 -7
ATTACHMENT 3
Project Examples
Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following examples (note that each
Project must include public access and a Riparian or Riverine habitat
enhancement element):
• Acquisition and/or Development of river parkways.
• Development, improvement or enhancement of trails, Trailhead or Trailside
Facilities along rivers, streams and/or river parkways for walking, cycling and
equestrian purposes.
• Development of riverfront parks with habitat enhancement.
• Construction of new trails connecting to existing river or stream trails.
• Acquisition of land to provide public access to rivers, streams, river parkways;
and access to other public areas.
• Restoration or enhancement of a significant Riparian or Riverine habitat while
providing for public access. Significant habitat includes, but is not limited to at
least one of the following categories:
❑ Critical wintering, breeding, or migratory habitat
❑ Rare species or unique habitat
❑ Representative examples of specific species or habitat
❑ Essential habitat linkages
❑ Critical buffer zones
❑ Habitat of species that are experiencing significant declines or threats
❑ Species with a highly restricted distribution within the region or state
❑ Lands that are critical for successfully implementing local, regional, and/or
state conservation plans
• Acquisition of land to increase the size and quality of existing Riparian habitat,
river parkways or other open space areas along rivers or streams.
Removal of debris from stream channels or erosion control and bank stabilization
work.
Ineligible Projects
Projects that do not qualify for funding would include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Projects with no public access
Riparian and Riverine Habitat Procedural Guide 4
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ATTACHMENT 3
Ineligible Projects (continued)
• Projects that do not include some component of Riparian and/or Riverine habitat
improvement, Restoration or Acquisition
• Projects that cause erosion or contribute to flooding
• Projects comprised only of planning
• Operations and on-going maintenance Projects
• Projects located on school properties not open to the general public and
designed solely for students
Projects with no direct relation to a river or stream
• Projects on lakes or reservoirs that do not involve a river or stream
• Projects on wetlands and marshes, except in the following cases:
❑ where the wetland is adjacent to a river or stream,
❑ where the wetland Project will control flooding or erosion on the adjacent
stream
• Projects on multiple sites
State Administrative Costs
The State costs of administering the Bond Act shall be paid out of the bond proceeds.
These costs shall be shared proportionately by each Program funded through this Bond
Act.
NOTE: Authority Cited.Section 5003, Public Resources Code. Reference:Section 5096.307(a),
5096.310(h),5096.337, 5096.358, Section 5096.367 Public Resources Code;and Section 7048 and
78682.2 of the Water Code.
Riparian and Riverine Habitat Procedural Guide 5
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Watershed Protection Prograr- 'hapter 6, Article 2) Bond Program Page 1 of 2
J ATTACHMENT 3
Watershed Protection Program (Chapter 6,Article 2)
Contact: Bill Campbell or Ken Harris
State Water Resources Control Board(SWRCB)
Division of Water Quality
1001 "I" Street, 15d'Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814-2828
(916) 341-5499/341-5500
Amount: Watershed Program-490 million
Appropriations: Subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature
Program Description:
Grants to municipalities, local agencies, or nonprofit organizations to develop local watershed
management plans (maximum $200,000 per local watershed plan) and/or implement projects (maximum
$5 million per project) consistent with watershed plans. Sixty percent of the funds will be allocated to
projects in the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange,Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Ventura.
Forty percent of the funds will be allocated to projects in the remaining counties. This subaccount
requires that $35 million be set-aside for grants to small communities
Historical Implementation:
The SWRCB implemented a similar program under the Delta Tributary Watershed Program of
Proposition 204. Thirty-one projects are underway or near implementation for Sacramento, San Joaquin,
and Trinity River Watersheds for a total funding of$14.5 million. Federal Clean Water Act Section 319
projects have also implemented similar,but smaller,projects.
Implementation Process/Timetable:
1. The Governor signed the State Fiscal Year(FY) 2000-01 Budget, including $20 million for
the Watershed Protection Program.
2. Staff has begun discussions with representatives for the designated set-aside projects for
Pajaro River($2 million), Russian River($1 million), Clover Creek ($5 million), and
Clear Lake ($2 million). The set-aside projects will be funded in total and contracts
executed in FY 2000-01, July through June.
3. A limited scope Request for Proposals (RFP) ($10 million)will be released in the
Fall of 2000 to fund watershed plan development projects beginning in the Spring of 2001.
4. The implementation process will use an extensive outreach effort to ensure a high level of
public input.
• A stakeholder advisory group will be convened and a scoping meeting will be held to assist
SWRCB in preparation of a broad based RFP for release in the Spring of 2001 for the selection of
projects to be funded in State FY 2001-02.
• Workshops will be held around the State to solicit comments on the broad RFP,to explain the
State contracting process, to discuss the SWRCB's watershed approach to water quality
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http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/propl31htm/watershed—bond.ht3n 1/8/02
Watershed Protection Prograr Chapter 6, Article 2) Bond Program — ATTACt11Vl 2
protection, and to answer questions. Click here for a list of dates, times, and locations.
A Proposition 13 web site with list servers for each subaccount was established on the SWRCB's
home page in late April. The web site will be maintained throughout the life of the program and
updated as needed.
Please add my name to your e-mail distribution list for future Bond Program information.
http://www.swreb.ca.gov/propl3/htm/watershed-bond.htm 1/8/02