SR-802-005-04
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July 5, 1988
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JUl 1 2 1988
santa Monica, California
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INFORMATION ITEM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City staff
SUBJECT: study session Presentation by Army corps of Engineers
Regarding the Breakwater study
Introduction
This report provides information about the presentation by the
Army Corps of Engineers at the July 12, 1988 study session. The
presentation is being held for the purpose of introducing members
of the Corps' Los Angeles District Division to the City Council,
and providing the Council with an overview of the process which
would be followed to achieve Federal assistance in restoring the
Santa Monica breakwater.
Background
On June 2, 1988, staff sUbmitted an information item to the
Council which outlined the city.s efforts, to date, to gain the
assistance of the Army Corps of Engineers to study the
feasibility of restoring the breakwater.
That report also
explained that the Corps would hold a public information session
on June 11, 1988, as an initial step in the study process.
The current study, ca11ed the reconnaissance study, is underway
as a result of the City's request for assistance back in 1986,
and the Corps' preliminary finding that the restoration of the
breakwater may be justified as a Federal project. Through the
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JUL 1 2 19B8
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efforts and suP~rt of the City's conqreSS~al representatives,
$200,000 was included in the FY 1988 Appropriations Bill to fund
the reconnaissance study. The Corps began work on the study in
May, 1988.
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Reconnaissance study
The reconnaissance study, which is funded entirely by the Corps,
is a planning step that seeks to identify the need for storm
damage prevention and shore protection in the area around the
Santa Monica Pier I and to determine the Federal interest in a
project reconstructing the breakwater. The study consists of a
detailed cost/benefit analysis in terms of engineering, economic,
and environmental factors. The engineering review will evaluate
several alternative designs, inclUding the +6 feet height which
was recommended by Daniel Mann Johnson & Mendenhall (DMJM) as
part of the DMJM pier Reconstruction feasibility analysis. The
benefits of the project, such as storm damage protection,
elimination of navigation hazards, and recreational
opportuni ties, will be quantified against the construction and
operation and maintenance costs. The reconnaissance phase will
also include a detailed environmental evaluation.
Study Session
The scope and obj ecti ves of the reconnaissance study will be
reviewed with the Council at the study session. Colonel Ono, who
is the Los Angeles District Engineer, will also brief the Council
on the issues that were raised at the June 11 public meeting, and
explain how the issues will be addressed by the Corps during the
study. Twelve members of the public attended the public meeting.
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Some of the areas of concerns noted include the pre-breakwater
condition of the shoreline, the availability of moorings, and
potential dredging costs. Colonel Ono will also begin discussion
with the council on the development of a cost-sharing agreement
for the subsequent phases of design and construction.
The Corps' process is somewhat lengthy and complex, with
congressional appropriation required at various phases. The
Corps will review a timeline for project implementation with the
council. The reconnaissance study is expected to be completed in
one year. If the study yields a positive benefit/cost ratio, the
corps will recommend proceeding to the next phase, the
feasibility study. The purpose of the feasibility study, which
is cost shared and may take up to two years, is to confirm the
reconunendations
the reconnaissance
the
of
study
through
development of detailed engineering, economic, and environmental
criteria.
Preparation of plans and specifications, also cost
shared, would follow the feasibility study and take a year to
complete.
Construction of the project would begin sometime
thereafter. Colonel Ono will be discussing some possible ways to
shorten the process.
Prepared by: stan Scholl, Director of General Services
Judith Meister, Pier Manager
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