Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board approve and authorize the Director of Transportation to sign a Modification to the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Domestic Grant 20-PA-11051900-011, which will increase the current grant funding in the amount of $200,000 from $1,400,000 to $1,600,000 for use on the Oflyng Water Quality Project (CIP 95177 / 36107016).
FUNDING: United States Forest Service Grant Funds. (100% - Federal)
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Oflyng Water Quality Project (Project) site is within an existing residential development located in the unincorporated area of South Lake Tahoe, east of U.S. Highway 50/State Route 89, north of Pioneer Trail, west of Elks Club Drive, and south of Skyline Drive. The Project is part of an ongoing effort to retrofit County rights-of-way within the Lake Tahoe Basin with drainage improvements that will reduce the amount of sediment that reaches Lake Tahoe. The Project will help to meet goals identified in the El Dorado County Stormwater Resource Plan and the Lake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program.
On June 9, 2020 (20-0614, Item 35), the Board accepted $900,000 in Grant funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) under Domestic Grant 20-PA-11051900-011 (Grant Agreement). On July 26, 2022 (Legistar 22-1147, Item 24), the Board accepted an additional $500,000 in Grant Funds from the USDA LTBMU under the Grant Agreement.
The USDA Forest Service recently requested implementation proposals for additional funding under this Grant Agreement, and Department of Transportation (Transportation) staff submitted proposals. Due to the funding shortfall for this Project to address a section of a failed shotcrete wall, Transportation was awarded $200,000 of additional funding. Transportation requests that the Board approve this funding and authorize the Director of Transportation to sign a Grant Modification Form. This grant funding requires the County provide a 1:1 match. Transportation staff will use California Tahoe Conservancy funds to match the grant funds.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve receipt of the remaining grant funds per a Grant Modification. This action would require Transportation to utilize other funding for the Project.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
See Discussion / Background Section above.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and USDA Forest Service.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve staff recommendation.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed Grant Modification would have no impact to Net County Cost. Modifying the USFS Grant to increase the total Grant amount will result in additional funding being made available for the Project. The Department has California Tahoe Conservancy funds available to provide the grant match.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Infrastructure
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation