TITLE
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. File and submit to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) a Subapplication for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the Carmel River Floodplain and Environmental Enhancement Project; and,
b. Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Resource Management Agency to execute and file, for and on behalf of the County of Monterey, the Subapplication and to provide to Cal OES the assurances and agreements required by the grant.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a Resolution to:
a) File and submit to the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) a Subapplication for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the Carmel River Floodplain and Environmental Enhancement Project; and,
b) Authorize the Director of the Monterey County Resource Management Agency to execute and file, for and on behalf of the County of Monterey, the Subapplication and to provide to Cal OES the assurances and agreements required by the grant.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement Project (CRFREE Project) is a multi-objective proposed project that combines flood projection, habitat management, wildlife corridors, agricultural land protection, storm water retention, and public recreation on a 130-acre site in the lower Carmel River just east of Highway 1. The County, through the Monterey County Resource Management Agency, and the Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) have worked with several local, state, and federal agencies to secure funding for the CRFREE Project.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters and sea level rise. In California, these funds are applied for and administered by the Cal OES HMGP Unit. Through coordinated efforts of BSLT and the State Coastal Conservancy, the County has been invited to apply for a total of $17 million in federal funding for the CRFREE Project through the HMGP. The County would be entering into an agreement as a subapplicant, with Cal OES serving as the primary applicant. If awarded, the County could receive enough federal funding to provide for the remaining unidentified construction and permitting costs to complete the CRFREE Project as currently conceived, subject to completion of the environmental review and project approval.
In 2013, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution (File Number 13-0715) to assume grant contracts and to authorize the RMA Director to enter agreements for implementation of the CRFREE Project. As part of the application process for HMGP funding, Cal OES requires a specific Board resolution (Attachment 1) to authorize an individual from the County to engage with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Office of Emergency Service regarding HMGP matters. Staff is requesting that the Board approve the Cal OES Designation of Subrecipient’s Agent Resolution designating the RMA Director as the HMGP Agent.
To date, the CRFREE Project 60% design plans have been completed, subject to environmental review and project approval. County staff have been working closely with Caltrans and USFWS to complete the required CEQA/NEPA review process. Staff anticipates release of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for public review in fall 2018. If the project is approved, construction could begin as early as summer 2019, subject to funding requirements.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Monterey County Resource Management Agency (RMA) is coordinating with its project co-sponsor, Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT), as well as US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Caltrans, State Parks, Carmel Area Wastewater District, and other project partners and regulatory agencies to advance the project.
FINANCING:
FEMA will contribute a maximum of 75% of the total project cost. A minimum of 25% of the total eligible costs must be provided from non-federal funding sources. If the project received federal HGMP funding for the anticipated $17,000,000, the minimum non-federal match funding requirement would be $5,666,667. Match funding has been identified from non-federal grant funds secured by the Big Sur Land Trust and provided by the State Coastal Conservancy, which is available to the County through a reimbursement agreement (A-13086) for professional services on the CRFREE Project. Additionally, match funding has been identified through secured non-federal grant funds from the Department of Water Resources Flood Corridor Program (SAP Contract No. 4600010665). Any remaining construction costs can be provided from additional remaining grant funds. If the County receives the full $17,000,000 award, it is anticipated that it would cover the remaining funding gap to complete project construction. Active or pending non-federal grant award funds will remain secured throughout the anticipated project timeline. The total construction cost for the CRFREE project is estimated to be approximately $26,700,000. Staff is currently in the process of analyzing future construction, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance cost projections.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The CRFREE Project is consistent to the Board’s strategic initiatives to provide for sustainable physical infrastructure with its associated flood and habitat benefits. Additionally, this action represents effective and timely response to Resource Management Agency customers.
__ Economic Development
X Administration
__ Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Dan Bertoldi, Management Analyst III x5643
Reviewed by: Melanie Beretti, Property Administration/Special Programs Manager
Approved by: Carl Holm, RMA Director
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Draft Resolution
(Attachment on file with the Clerk of the Board)