Agenda Item A.3
CP CONSENT CALENDAR
Meeting Date: March 4, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: Luz “Nina” Buelna, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Gerald Comati, Contract Project Manager
SUBJECT: California Department of Fish and Wildlife Grant Opportunity for The San Jose Creek Channel Fish-Passage Modification Project RECOMMENDATION:
Receive information on California Department of Fish and Wildlife grant fund opportunities for the construction phase of the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project (CIP No. 9117).
BACKGROUND:
Various revenue sources fund Capital Improvement Program (CIP) proj ects. The major source of funds available for capital projects are dedicated funds. Funds for the CIP are accounted for in the City’s special revenue funds and include various development impact fee funds, transportation -related special revenue funds, and major federal and state grants that have been awarded. State and Federal grant funding remains an important source for CIP projects.
The San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project was initiated in early 2022 when the City Council authorized and funded a new CIP project, the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project (CIP No. 9117). The project was established to satisfy a permit requirement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) mandating that the City modify in-place fish passage elements constructed within San Jose Creek Channel in order to provide a functioning and viable migration corridor for steelhead trout. The fish passage elements were initially constructed as part of the City’s San Jose Creek Capacity Improvement and Fish Passage Project (constructed in 2014).
In 2022, the City Council appropriated $650,000 from General Funds for the project's environmental, permitting, and design phases. Following the allocation and the approval of consultant contracts, the City assembled a coalition of representatives from the City, CDFW, the National Marine Fisheries (NMFs), and the Santa Barbara County Flood 1 Meeting Date: March 4, 2025
Control and Water Conservation District to develop a consensus design. A consensus design was develo ped and tested through physical and computer hydraulic modeling.
This effort is now being concluded , and the environmental review and permitting phase is underway. The construction phase is scheduled for the summer of 2026. However, funding for the construction phase has not been identified.
DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has several grant opportunities to fund watershed restoration projects , specifically fisheries restoration projects. One of the opportunities is the Restoration Opportunities Program Grant, funded through State Proposition 1 and State Proposition 68. The main components of this grant are to enhance wildlife corridors to support connectivity projects that enhance and address multi -benefit and nature-based solutions. A second grant opportunity also available through CDFW is the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, released at the end of January and due April 17, 2025. This opportunity is focused on the conservation, protection, and recovery of salmon and steelhead populations throughout California and is funded annually by the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. During this funding award cycle, it is anticipated that $17 million is available and approximately 28 – 40 projects will be funded, ranging from $100,000 - $2 million. Both grants require submitting an initial concept proposal which CDFW staff will review and advise on which grant best aligns with the proposed project.
CDFW GRANT PROGRAM DETAILS
Lead Agency City of Goleta
Eligible CIP Project San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project (CIP 9117)
Grant Program
Funding Available
Restoration Opportunities Program Grant
Up to $30 million in funding is available in State funds.
Grant Funding
Request Amount Up to $3 million
Grant Matching
Funds None required
Application
Deadline
Restoration Opportunities Program Grant
Proposal/applications are being accepted on an ongoing
basis. Concept application proposed to be submitted in
March 2025
Grant Awards
Announced Grant awards will be made by the end of 2025
2 Meeting Date: March 4, 2025
Grant Program
Funding Available
Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
$17 million
Grant Funding
Request Amount Up to $3 million
Grant Matching
Funds None required
Application
Deadline
Fisheries Restoration Grant Program
Proposal/applications are due by April 17, 2025. City
would submit a concept application in March 2025
Grant Awards
Announced Grant awards will be made by the end of 2025
FISCAL IMPACTS:
There are no fiscal impacts at this time. Should the City receive this grant, it will help close the estimated funding gap of approximately $2 – $3 million for the San Jose Creek Channel Fish Passage Modification Project.
ALTERNATIVES:
None
LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, Acting City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager
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