HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 - Big Canyon Reservoir Cover - 2003 EPA Grant FundsCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 13
June 10, 2003
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Utilities Department
Eldon Davidson, (949) 718 -3400, edavidson @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: APPLICATION FOR 2003 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
GRANT FUNDS FOR BIG CANYON RESERVOIR COVER
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to sign application for the 2003 Environmental Protection
Agency Grant Funds in the amount of $867,300 for Big Canyon Reservoir Cover
Project.
DISCUSSION:
Background:
In 2002, the City of Newport Beach requested grant funding from the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for funds to be distributed in 2003 for the Big
Canyon Reservoir Covering Project. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $5.6
million. EPA has notified the City of Newport Beach that federal grant funds are to be
awarded to the City from EPA's State and Tribal Assistance Grant (STAG) program.
The total amount of federal funds available to the City under this program is $867,300.
As part of the grant agreement terms, the City must provide local matching funds of
$709,609. The remaining project costs will be the responsibility of the City to fund.
These federal grant funds have become available through the assistance and
cooperation of Congressman Cox and his staff and key members of the California
Congressional delegation in concert with City staff, Ball Janik (City's legislative
advocate), and Bucknam & Associates (Grant Manager).
Introduction:
This grant provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency — State and
Tribal Assistance Grant Program is for use in accordance with our request for funds to
cover the Big Canyon Reservoir. The three projects in this grant funding include:
1. Construction of a cover over the Big Canyon Reservoir,
2. Upgrading the water treatment process, and
3. Landscaping the Big Canyon Reservoir site
2003 EPA Grant Funding — Big Canyon Reservoir
June 10, 2003
Page 2
These projects will result in meeting the following goals and objectives:
• Improving water quality
• Addressing public health concerns
• Satisfying State Health Department requirements
• Improving water system security
Landscaping of the site will enhance the aesthetic beauty of the site and provide visual
barriers to those neighbors within the sight line of the reservoir.
The EPA funding of $867,300 together with the City matching funds of $709,609 will
enable the City to commence construction of these important projects. The remaining
project costs will be funded by the City.
As a part of the EPA process to release the grant funds, the City is required to complete
an Application for Federal Assistance, including project budget data, description of
projects, program plan and description of program tasks, program plan schedule, and
assurance certifications. The submittal of this application and subsequent award of
funds by EPA commits the City of Newport Beach to providing the required matching
funds in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant. As indicated above, the
City match funds required is $709,609 over the course of the grant period.
The preparation of design plans, specifications and cost estimates (PS &E) for the
reservoir cover are currently underway and should be completed by the end of June
2003. Commencement of construction of the project is expected to begin in later part of
2003.
Funding Availability:
Funds for this project are budgeted in the 2003 -04 Capital Improvement Program.
Environmental Review:
A Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) has been prepared and approved by the City Council on June 27, 1994. An
environmental document in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) will be developed in concert with EPA as part of the implementation of the grant
program.
Prepared and Submitted By:
Eldon G. Davidson, Utilities Director