Agenda Item A.11
CONSENT CALENDAR
Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
TO: Mayor and Councilmembers
SUBMITTED BY: JoAnne Plummer, Neighborhood Services Director Nina Buelna, Public Works Director
PREPARED BY: Jason Levy, Emergency Services Coordinator Javier Garcia, Associate Engineer
SUBJECT: Authorization to S ubmit FEMA and Cal OES – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for Glen Annie Creek Culvert Improvements RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to submit an application for funding with FEMA and Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Grant Program related to the Presidential Disaster Declaration DR- 4856 for Glen Annie Creek Culvert Improvements.
BACKGROUND:
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is offering a mitigation funding opportunity through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) as part of the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration DR-4856 (California Wildfires and Straight-line Winds). This funding supports communities in implementing mitigation activities that reduce risks to life, property, and infrastructure from natural hazards.
The City of Goleta qualifies as a sub -applicant for this funding opportunity, as it has a valid Local Hazard Mitigation Plan and is a signatory to the County’s Multi -Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Approved applications are subject to a cost -share arrangement, with 75% covered by federal funds and 25% by local contributions.
DISCUSSION:
Goleta drainages are characterized by high -intensity, short -duration runoff events, primarily due to the relatively short distance from the Santa Ynez Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Runoff from these intense, brief storms can lead to the inundation of ove rbank areas, the accumulation of debris such as sediment, rocks, and downed trees in waterways, which can block culverts and bridges. Additionally, these events can cause 1 Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
erosion and sloughing of riverbanks, as well as a loss of channel capacity due to sedimentation.
In previous years, atmospheric river storms have brought significant rainfall to the area, causing flooding on public streets, watersheds, creeks, open spaces, wetlands, and other properties within the City. These storms have damaged public r ights-of-way, downed trees that obstruct sidewalks and streets, forced road closures, and disrupted public services. During the January 2023 storm, the Glen Annie culvert and creek sustained damage. As high-intensity storms continue to bring heavy precipitation, the risk of erosion and sloughing along the Glen Annie Creek embankment —upstream of the Glen Annie Creek Culvert —remains a concern. This erosion could lead to the collapse of the upstream western wing wall onto the concrete culvert apron, resulting in unanticipated structural failure and embankment loss.
The proposed improvements included in this project would strengthen the culvert and wing wall structure, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve resiliency. This aligns with Cal OES’s priority to fortify infrastructure against wildfires, flooding, and other hazards — ensuring the continued operation of essential services. Situated within a FEMA Flood Hazard Zone, this hazard poses a significant risk to Cathedral Oaks Road, one of three vital cross-city routes for neighborhood access. The loss of this roadway would disrupt emergency service operations and threaten the safety of the communities along the creek. The project aims to reduce soil erosion and enhance protection me asures, safeguarding this critical infrastructure.
The funding process begins with the submission of a Notice of Interest (NOI) by May 29, 2025. If approved, the City must submit a completed application by September 15, 2025.
Cal OES will then conduct a c omprehensive programmatic review and Benefit -Cost Analysis. Upon Cal OES approval, the application package will be forwarded to FEMA for further evaluation. FEMA assesses applications based on eligibility, feasibility, cost - effectiveness, and environmental and historic preservation considerations. Depending on the complexity of the application, FEMA’s review process may take 12 to 24 months, during which no construction work may commence. If approved, the project must be ready for implementation upon award. Once FEMA grants approval, all contracts and purchases must comply with Federal procurement guidelines (2 CFR 200).
This project supports Safety Element 1: General Safety, emphasizing the proactive abatement of public safety hazards within the city. Whe re feasible, the City will take decisive action in order to mitigate hazards.
The City aims to allocate resources toward resolving identified hazards. Funding available through FEMA via Cal OES presents an opportunity to address a critical piece of infrastructure.
GOLETA STRATEGIC PLAN:
City-Wide Initiative: 5. Strengthen Infrastructure
2 Meeting Date: May 20, 2025
Strategic Goal:
5.1 Strengthen Citywide infrastructure including roads and traffic circulation, including bicycle lanes, paths, and sidewalks
5.3 Protect and maintain our roadway system
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the application for this grant . If the grant is awarded, the City will be responsible for providing a 25% match to the grant . Should the City be awarded the grant, the local funding match is anticipated to be sourced from various available local funds, which may include Measure A, Transportation Development Impact Fees, other eligible street -related funds, or the General Fund. If awarded, staff will return t o the City Council with detailed funding recommendations and formal appropriation requests
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may direct staff to decline this grant opportunity.
LEGAL REVIEW BY: Isaac Rosen, City Attorney
APPROVED BY: Robert Nisbet, City Manager
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