SR 09-27-2011 3LCity Council Meeting: September 27, 2011
Agenda Item: —L
To: Mayor and City Council
From: David Martin, Director, Planning and Community Development
Subject: Application for California Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation
Program grant funds for tree relocation and restoration associated with
Expo Light Rail.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution and authorize the
City Manager to:
1. Submit an application for grant funds to the State of California for funding under
the Fiscal Year 2011 -12 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program;
2. Negotiate and execute an agreement for such funding and any amendments
thereto; and
3. Submit or execute any related documents necessary to participate in the 2011 -12
Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program to design and install
specific tree relocation and restoration along Expo Light Rail.
Executive Summary
The baseline Expo Light Rail Project will be constructed in Santa Monica according to
Metro Design Guidelines, to be consistent in design with Phase 1 of the Project, from
Los Angeles to Culver City. The proposed Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation
Program grant application will supplement the tree replacement and relocation
requirements of the Expo Light Rail Project beyond mitigations required by the Expo
Project FEIR, preserving and enhancing the City's urban forest. This will promote
sustainability through encouraging plant biodiversity, promoting animal wildlife habitats,
and "investing in projects that improve air and water quality" which are targets of the
available grant funds. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the creation of a
healthy, diverse, and sustainable local community are critical goals put forth by the
recently- adopted General Plan Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE).
In order for the City to apply for a $350,000 Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation
Program Grant, the City Council must adopt a resolution approving the application. If
received, this grant would fund the replacement and relocation of several trees along
the Expo Light Rail alignment in Santa Monica.
1
Discussion
The construction of the light rail will result in the elimination and relocation of trees along
the alignment on Metro right of way from Centinela Avenue to 17th Street. The
alignment then shifts from the Metro right of way to the City right of way at 17th Street,
running down the center of Colorado Avenue as it approaches the terminus station at 4th
Street and Colorado Avenue. The light rail line and three Expo light rail stations in
Santa Monica will be designed and constructed according to Metro Design Guidelines to
be consistent in design with Phase 1 of the Project, from Los Angeles to Culver City.
Beyond the number of trees to be planted as part of the Expo Light Rail Project, City
staff recommends that the City Manager apply for an Environmental Enhancement and
Mitigation Program 2011 -12 Grant to cover the cost of relocating 45 existing trees and
replacing 15 additional trees along the alignment within the Metro right of way, within
the City right of way and in City -owned properties. The proposed tree replacements and
relocations will exceed Metro's Design Guidelines and Expo's Project FEIR
requirements and will support City Urban Forest Master Plan goals by replacing and
relocating trees from within the Metro right of way where tree replacement is not
required. City staff intends to apply for the maximum grant award of $350,000 to cover
the cost of as many new and relocated trees as possible. The replanting and relocation
of trees, including irrigation and soil technology which ensures the healthiest tree, where
appropriate, will cost approximately $2,400 per new tree and up to $8,500 per relocated
tree depending on the species and size.
The Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program is administered by the
California Natural Resources Agency in partnership with the California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans). According to the application package, the "program
encourages projects that produce multiple benefits which reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, reduce risks associated with climate change impacts, and demonstrate
collaboration with local, state and community entities."
2
Grant applications are capped at $350,000. No local match is required.
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
There are no immediate budget or financial impacts at this time. The total amount of the
grant funds requested from the State of California, Environmental Enhancement and
Mitigation Project is $350,000.
Prepared by: Joanna Hankamer, Senior Planner, Strategic & Transportation Planning
Approved:
David Martin
Director, Planning and Community
Development Department
Attachments:
A. Resolution
B. Project Map
Forwarded to Council:
/ -V
Rod Gould
City Manager
Reference Resolution No.
10611 (CCS).