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Adopt a resolution authorizing execution of a funding agreement for a grant in the amount of $92,916 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for restoration, planning and accessible interpretive improvements at Beldens Landing Water Access Facility; and Authorize the Director of Resource Management or designee to conduct all negotiations and to sign and submit all documents necessary for the completion of the project
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Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Resource Management to execute a funding agreement for a grant in the amount of $92,916 under the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, for restoration, planning and accessible interpretive improvements at Beldens Landing Water Access Facility;
2. Authorize the Director of Resource Management or designee to conduct all negotiations and to sign and submit all documents necessary for the completion of the project.
SUMMARY:
In July of 2018 County staff, in partnership with Suisun Resource Conservation District and California Department of Fish and Wildlife submitted an application for a competitive grant in the amount of $92,915.65 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for restoration, planning and accessible interpretive improvements at Beldens Landing Water Access Facility. On February 13, 2019 NFWF announced that the project at Beldens Landing Water Access Facility had been awarded funding, subsequently sending a funding agreement for approval by the Solano County Board of Supervisors.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the actions recommended in this report. No County funds are required to complete the projects funded by the grant. Revenues and expenditures will be appropriated in the Parks and Recreation budget.
DISCUSSION:
In meetings with the partners listed above it was determined that several improvements could be made to the Beldens Landing Water Access Facility to help improve the facility as a regional destination by increasing access to diversified, family-friendly uses. To accomplish this, this project will restore the degraded marsh by removing and replacing invasive plants with native plants, developing a site vision and boardwalk plan with the community, and improving existing facilities. A non-motorized launch will also be added to separate non-motorized boat users from motorized boat users, thereby reducing user conflicts and paving the way to become a Bay Area Water Trail trailhead. The project also calls for development and installation of interpretive signage and online maps to respect private land ownerships and wetlands . The community will be involved in planning and restoration, and local students will participate and monitor success. The project will be a unique partnership of the Solano County Parks, Suisun Resource Conservation District, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose to not adopt the resolution and not accept the grant funds. This is not recommended because the project will benefit the public by improving the facilities at Beldens Landing Access Facility, and project costs are borne by the grant.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the resolution and funding agreement as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION