Title
Parks, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 174-2024 to complete an application for the Federal Highway Administration California Division Recreational Trails Program Grant in the amount of approximately $247,200, for the Rubicon Trail grounds maintenance project, to the State Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division; and
2) Authorize the Parks Manager to approve and execute any grant application documents, including but not limited to applications or amendments which may be necessary for the completion of the grant project if awarded.
FUNDING: Federal Highway Administration California Division Recreational Trails Program (88%), Sacramento Municipal Utility District Funds and/or Off Highway Vehicle Fees and Volunteer In-Kind Match (12%).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Every year since 2001, the Parks Division has prepared grant applications and has been awarded State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) grant funding for Rubicon Trail grounds maintenance. The funding is critical to maintaining the integrity of the trail and the health of surrounding natural resources.
In March 2023, Parks Division submitted three grant applications for the Rubicon Trail to the G23 OHMVR Grant Program. On January 9, 2024 (Legistar file #23-2156), the Board approved and authorized acceptance of OHMVR Grant Program funds for a Safety and Education Grant and Planning Grant in the amount of $78,677 and $278,909, respectively. The Division also applied for a Grounds Maintenance Grant to fund ongoing water quality and sanitation efforts; however this grant was not awarded. To ensure continued funding for Rubicon Trail grounds maintenance, the FY 22-23 grant agreement #G22-03-06-G01 period of performance was extended by one year to October 31, 2024.
In March 2024, the Parks Division submitted an Education and Safety Grant application in the amount of $78,152 and a Grounds Maintenance grant application in the amount of $741,378 for the Rubicon Trail to the G24 OHMVR Grant Program. The Grounds Maintenance application was not funded by the Grant Program. The current grounds grant agreement ends October 31, 2024, leaving the Rubicon Trail grounds maintenance program unfunded by grants.
On August 9, 2024, OHMVR reached out to agencies not funded by the G24 OHMVR Grant Program to inform about eligibility through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The RTP is a state-administered local assistance program of the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration that provides funding for motorized trail grounds operations.
Parks Division is preparing an RTP grant application for Rubicon Trail Annual Grounds Maintenance. The grant application, including a Resolution, will be submitted by the due date of October 18, 2024, for a period of performance that will begin after July 2025. The Resolution declares that the applicant is authorized to apply for grant funds; the project is consistent with planning documents; there is sufficient funds prior to commencement; applicant agrees to General provisions in the contract; applicant agrees to comply with applicable laws; and authorizes the Parks Manager to execute all grant documents, including but not limited to applications, agreements, amendments, payment requests, etc. which may be necessary for the completion of the approved grant project.
From the end of the current grounds maintenance grant on October 31, 2024 to the awarding of the new grant, the Parks Division plans to use SMUD funds and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Green Sticker Fees for Rubicon Trails grounds maintenance.
If the grant funding is awarded, the County can meet the obligation of the US Forest Service easement and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Approval of this Resolution will allow Parks staff to fully complete the application for Grounds Maintenance on the Rubicon Trail (including, but not limited to, maintenance of existing trails, gabion repair and installation, trail delineation, routine facility maintenance and toilet pumping, and winter monitoring. Funding will also be utilized to purchase all project related material, supplies, and equipment.)
ALTERNATIVES
If not approved, Parks Division will not be able to apply for Recreational Trails Program grant funding to conduct annual grounds maintenance on the Rubicon Trail. The County is under the conditions of the US Forest Service easement and the Saturated Soils Water Quality Protection Plan approved by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, and would be reliant on SMUD funds, Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Green Sticker Fees, or General Fund to meet maintenance obligations.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
Legistar file 23-0125 - January 24, 2023 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
Legistar file 23-2156 - January 9, 2024 - Authorize Acceptance of OHMVR Grant Funds
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel, Department of Transportation
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The total project cost as a result of this grant is approximately $247,200, with:
1) Federal Highway Administration California Division grant funding ($217,500)
2) Required matching funds in the amount of approximately $26,700 from:
a) The El Dorado-Sacramento Municipal Utility District Cooperation Agreement Fund (SMUD Funds).
b) Off Highway Vehicle Fees (Green Sticker Fees)
c) Volunteer in-kind match ($3,000)
The Resolution certifies that if the project is awarded and accepted by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors, the Applicant has or will have sufficient funds to operate and maintain the project. Staff will return to the Board for acceptance of the grant funding, if awarded, and a budget amendment for use of SMUD and Green Sticker funds to continue the Rubicon grounds maintenance program.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair's signature on two (2) original Resolutions.
2) Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) original Resolution to Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division, Zachary Perras.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Zachary Perras, Parks Manager
Jennifer Franich, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer