ITEM: 14

SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF RATIFICATION OF A GRANT APPLICATION TO U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF SANTA MONICA BAY RESTORATION PROJECT'S FY 1997-98 WORKPLAN

DISCUSSION: In 1988, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) included Santa Monica Bay (Bay) in the National Estuary Program and provided funding through Section 320 of the Clean Water Act to prepare a comprehensive restoration and management plan for the Bay. Subsequently the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project (SMBRP) was established to assess the Bay's problems, develop solutions and put them into action. The SMBRP prepared a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, known as the Bay Restoration Plan (BRP). The BRP was approved by Governor Wilson and U.S. EPA Administrator Carol Browner in 1995.

Since 1995 the SMBRP has prepared annual workplans to implement the priority action items of the BRP with funding from Federal, State and local public and private organizations. The attached FY 1997-98 workplan was approved by the SMBRP Steering Committee on May 29, 1997 and submitted to U.S. EPA as part of a grant application. Following are the workplan's key tasks and activities:

· Support implementation of Malibu Creek Watershed Management Plan.

· Coordinate and conduct restoration actions at lower Zuma Creek and Lagoon.

· Recommend scientifically based management actions to restore Bay habitat and fisheries resources.

· Implement innovative best management practices to reduce storm water pollution.

· Develop and implement a coordinated strategy to outreach the communities about health risks associated with consuming Santa Monica Bay seafood.

· Develop a five-year "capital improvements" list and investigate alternative public and private funding sources.

· Conduct an outreach program to the boating community regarding prevention of pollution from vessel discharges.

· Complete development of the sources and loadings component of the Bay's comprehensive monitoring program.

· Provide staffing to manage and administer SMBRP, and provide oversight and support for the Bay Watershed Council and the Technical Advisory Committee.

On June 16, 1997, the State Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) Executive Director submitted a grant application to U.S. EPA to secure $295,000 available for the SMBRP FY 1997-98 workplan implementation through Clean Water Act Section 104(B)(3) funding.

POLICY ISSUE: Should the SWRCB ratify the grant application to U.S. EPA for implementation of the SMBRP FY 1997-98 workplan?

FISCAL IMPACT: The SWRCB has allocated $98,235 from Tobacco Tax Fund as a State match for the Federal grant.

RWQCB IMPACT: Yes. Los Angeles Regional Water Quality ControlBoard.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB ratify the grant application to U.S. EPA for implementing the SMBRP FY 1997-98 workplan through Clean Water Act Section 104(B)(3) funding to the extent of $95,000.

Note: The FY 1997-98 Workplan is not available electronically. For copies, contact:
Syed M. Ali, Chief, Planning Section, Division of Water Quality, SWRCB, P.O. Box 944213, Sacramento, CA 94244-2130, (916) 657-0887 or FAX (916) 657-2388

JUNE 23, 1997 DRAFT

WHEREAS:

1. At the request of the Governor of the State of California, a Management Conference was convened for Santa Monica Bay (Bay) in July 1988 within the framework of the National Estuary Program (Section 320 of the Clean Water Act) in order to restore the beneficial uses of the Bay.

2. On May 29, 1997 the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project (SMBRP) Steering Committee approved the SMBRP's FY 1997-98 implementation workplan.

3. On June 16, 1997 the Executive Director, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), submitted a grant application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) for funding of $295,000 pursuant to Clean Water Act Section 104(B)(3).

4. Sufficient funding ($98,235) is available for the SMBRP in FY 1997-98 through Tobacco Tax Fund as a State match for the Federal grant.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The SWRCB:

1. Ratifies the grant application to the U.S. EPA for implementation of the SMBRP FY 1997-98 workplan.

2. Authorizes the Executive Director, or his designee, to accept the U.S. EPA grant, negotiate and execute contracts and agreements to implement the SMBRP FY 1997-98 workplan approved by the SMBRP Steering Committee.

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on July 17, 1997.

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board