Title
a. Approve the Cooperative Agreement for State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) Minor Fund Contribution between the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the County of Monterey (Agreement) in the amount of $1,000,000 from SHOPP Minor Funds required for the Carmel River Floodplain and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project, for a term effective the execution date of the Agreement until the State Highway System (SHS) Project is accepted by Caltrans; and
b. Authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development and designee to execute the Agreement.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the Cooperative Agreement for State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) Minor Fund Contribution between the California State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the County of Monterey (Agreement) in the amount of $1,000,000 from SHOPP Minor Funds required for the Carmel River Floodplain and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project, for a term effective the execution date of the Agreement until the State Highway System (SHS) Project is accepted by Caltrans; and
b. Authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development and designee to execute the Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement (CRFREE) Project is a comprehensive effort to improve flood control and restore native riparian habitat, floodplain habitat, and hydrologic function to a portion of the lower floodplain along the Carmel River. Key aspects of the CRFREE Project are to create notches in the levees along the south bank of the lower Carmel River, restore the south lower Carmel River floodplain, and build a causeway, called an overflow bridge by Caltrans, along Highway 1 (causeway component), restoring connectivity between the lower Carmel River Floodplain and the south arm of the Carmel Lagoon.
The Environmental Impact...
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