RESOLUTION NO. ___-2022
RESOLUTION OF THE FORT BRAGG CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING FEDERAL EARMARK fund request to establish municipal ocean water infrastructure to support aquariums, research, and aquaculture innovation hub
WHEREAS, the City received funding from the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop a strategy to diversify Fort Bragg’s economy; and WHEREAS, this project identified the Pacific Ocean, Noyo Harbor, and Noyo Center for Marine Science as strong community assets that are central to Fort Bragg’s identity; and WHEREAS, the City is leading a regional conversation to consider how a strategic focus on the development of ocean resources and emerging Blue Economy opportunities could improve livelihoods, while nurturing healthy marine ecosystems; and WHEREAS, access to ocean water intake and discharge infrastructure is a crucial component to many emerging blue economy opportunities related to aquaculture, research, climate change, tourism, and more; and WHEREAS, permitting processes for ocean water intake/discharge infrastructure are prohibitively expensive and complex, taking several years to secure and therefore out of reach for small operators; and WHEREAS, the City is well positioned to take on the permitting and construction of ocean water infrastructure to support the Noyo Center for Marine Science and Blue Economy Innovation Hub; and WHEREAS, the City identified Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to secure engineering services in order to develop concept designs and cost estimates to establish municipal ocean water infrastructure for this purpose; and WHEREAS, these concept designs will be presented to decision makers and the public as part of the Blue Economy Symposium & Learning Festival scheduled for May 19-22, 2022; and WHEREAS, this event is presented by Noyo Ocean Collective – a regional collaboration including the City of Fort Bragg, Noyo Harbor District, Noyo Center for Marine Science, Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo, Mendocino College, and West Business Development Center with the generous support of California Sea Grant for the purpose of exploring the needs and potential for developing a resilient and vibrant blue economy in and around Fort Bragg; and WHEREAS, Day One of the symposium will focus on potentials for municipal ocean water infrastructure and harbor infrastructure improvements, discussions with commercial/ recreational fishers and associated businesses about sustainable blue economies, followed by education, entrepreneurship and job force training considerations to support growing a blue economy; and WHEREAS, Day Two of the symposium will explore the potential for developing an aquaculture park in the region where speakers will present information on different aspects of aquaculture activities that are restorative and commercial in nature; and WHEREAS, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) supports the use of federal earmark funds to establish aquaculture hubs and is working with San Jose State University and Moss Landing Marine Laboratory to administer funds to the City of Fort Bragg, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians, and the Port of San Diego’s Aquaculture and Blue Technology Program to support establishment of aquaculture hubs in order to reduce barriers to small operators; and WHEREAS, based on all the evidence presented, the City Council finds as follows:
The Blue Economy offers opportunities for our region to diversify its economy, while improving livelihoods and supporting healthy marine ecosystems; and Permitting for ocean water intake/discharge infrastructure is costly and complex; and The City is well positioned to navigate the permitting process.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg does hereby approve the City’s participation in a request for federal earmark funding to support the establishment of municipal ocean intake/discharge water infrastructure to support aquariums, research and aquaculture.
The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by Councilmember ________, seconded by Councilmember ________, and passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg held on the 28th day of March, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
BERNIE NORVELL
Mayor
ATTEST:
June Lemos, MMC
City Clerk
- 2 -