01-22-2002 -City of West Covina
Memorandum
AGENDA
TO: Andrew Pasmant, City Manager
and City Council ITEM NO. C-6e
DATE January 22, 2002
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
FROM: Tom Hatch, Community Services Director
SUBJECT: APPLICATIONS FOR THE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE
HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE
NEIGHBORHOOD, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000.
SUMMARY: Staff is requesting authorization to,apply for the Riparian and Riverine
Habitat Grant Program funds via the attached Resolutions. Based on the
grant requirements, the City of West Covina is eligible to apply for funds
for two (2) different projects, projecting to receive up to $400,000 per
project for the rehabilitation, acquisition, expansion, and development of
recreational facilities.
BACKGROUND:
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.
Local and state parks provide safe places to play in neighborhoods, splendid scenic
landscapes, exceptional experiences, and world -recognized recreational opportunities,
and in so doing, are vital to California's quality of life and economy. 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.
DISCUSSION:
An eligible Project needs to 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 must have a Riparian or Riverine habitat enhancement
element and also provide for public access.
Projects may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
• 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 ies that are experiencing significant Ones 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.
With the above criteria in mind, two main projects within the City are currently under
consideration for the application for these grant funds:
1. Galster Park Area: Funding from the Riparian and Riverine Habitat Grant Program
can be used to help finance the acquisition of BKK property and effectively reduce the
purchase price of BLD and/or fund the construction of a trail throughout the entire
wilderness area. This trail will be a centralized route all around the facility, providing
easy access to all West Covina residents. It will serve an important role for helping
preserve the existing natural habitat.
2. Maverick/Ridge Rider Park area: The Maverick/Ridge Rider Park area is in dire need
of reconstruction and enhancement. Since the City finalized its purchase of this site,
ongoing efforts have been made to repair portions of the facility, yet additional funding is
needed to help link the current equestrian trail to the East -End trail. By extending this
trail, residents will have access to a safe route. In addition, funding from the Riparian
and Riverine Habitat Grant Program can be used to help enhance the current natural
habitat that surrounds the trail along with adding a pedestrian and bike way/route.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The amount of funds available for the Riparian and Riverine Habitat Grant Program is
$10,000,000. This program does not require matching funds. The minimum grant
amount for a Project is $20,000 and the maximum grant amount is $400,000. The City
will apply for the maximum grant amount allocated per project, totaling $400,000 per
project.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the following Resolutions:
RESOLUTION NO. A"-Y -RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA APPROVING THE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS
FROM THE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER
THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000 FOR THE GALSTER PARK AREA
PROJECT; AND
RESOLUTION NO. -,2 60A-,5J - RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST COVINA APPROVING THE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS
FROM THE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE HABITAT GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER
THE SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS, CLEAN WATER, CLEAN AIR, AND
COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2000 FOR THE MAVERICK/RIDGE
RIDER PARK AREA PROJECT.
Prepared by:
4A I
Armin t6paryan
Administrative Analyst H
Reviewed and approved by:
- 2M. %—*—
Tom Hatch
Community Services Director