PISMO BEACH COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Agenda Item #9.D
SUBJECT/TITLE:
AUTHORIZATION OF A LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM PLANNING GRANT
APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application for, and receipt of, up to $300,000 in funding to assist in updating the City’s Local Coastal Program from the California Coastal Commission.
BACKGROUND:
On November 9, 2021, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) announced the availability of Round 7 grant funding to support local government coastal resilience efforts (Attachment 2). The grant program is intended to provide assistance to local governments responsible for developing and amending Local Coastal Programs (LCPs).
Funds may be used for projects that are designed to assist local governments in assessing impacts and planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and which contain an LCP planning component.
The City was previously awarded a total of $85,000 and $170,000 as part of the CCC Round 6 grant funding. To date, the City has been refunded 100% of the $85,000 and approximately 42% of the $170,000. These funds have assisted in the development of the City’s draft LCP, including a unified zoning code along with various studies to support the LCP.
A total of up to $31 million is available for awards through the Round 7 competitive grant program. Grant amounts could range up to approximately $500,000, though there are no established minimum or maximum grant amounts.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) requesting grant funding in an amount not to exceed $300,000. This amount would cover the recently approved budget amendment to complete the LCP process. A portion of the funds would also be used to implement policies contained in the LCP, such as conducting hazard analysis and sea level rise monitoring.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City Council recently approved a budget amendment for an additional $207,922 in order to complete the LCP through both the local and CCC process. If the application is successful, the funds would help supplement the total project costs.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Provide additional direction to staff.
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-1
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2.California Coastal Commission LCP Planning Grant Announcement Prepared by: Meeting Date: January 4, 2022
Brian Schwartz, Planner
Submitted by: Matthew Downing, Community Development Director City Manager Approval:
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-2
RESOLUTION NO. R-2022-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH,
CALIFORNIA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR, AND RECEIPT OF, UP TO $300,000 IN FUNDING TO ASSIST IN UPDATING THE CITY’S LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM FROM THE CALIFORNIA COASTAL
COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the Budget Act of 2021 appropriates $31 million for Coastal Commission grants to local governments to support Local Coastal Program (LCP) planning and their projects that are designed to assist local governments in assessing impacts and planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, the California Coastal Commission, under the authority of the California Coastal Act, may provide financial assistance to support coastal planning and has approved Round 7 of the competitive grant program to provide such financial assistance for LCP planning; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the grant program is to support local government efforts to enhance coastal resiliency in the face of climate change and sea level rise in a manner fully consistent with the policies of the California Coastal Act and support the critical analysis, planning, and outreach steps of the LCP planning process necessary for developing tangible approaches for preparing for and adapting to climate change and sea level impacts, as well as development of new or updated LCP policies and subsequent activities relating to adopting and certifying LCP updates to ensure coastal resiliency strategies are implemented; and
WHEREAS, grant proposals submitted under this grant program must complete LCP planning work with special emphasis on “next steps” that have been identified in recent LCP development, hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, and adaptation planning efforts; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach has an effectively certified LCP; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach desires to pursue a project that would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal Commission of an Amendment to update the LCP in whole; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pismo Beach commits to and agrees to fully support a planning effort intended to update a certified LCP pursuant to the provisions of the California Coastal Act, with full public participation and coordination with Coastal Commission staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach as follows:
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-3
Attachment 1
1. The Community Development Director is hereby authorized and directed to submit the Round 7 grant application package to the California Coastal Commission to provide additional financial and planning assistance, under authority of the California Coastal Act, in an amount not to exceed $300,000 to fund the project more particularly described in the grant application package;
2. The Community Development Director is authorized to execute, in the name of the City of Pismo Beach, all necessary applications, contracts, and agreements and amendments thereto to implement and carry out the grant application package attached hereto and any project approved through approval of the grant application.
UPON MOTION OF Council Member , seconded by Council Member , the foregoing resolution was adopted by the City Council of the City of Pismo Beach this 4th day of January 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
Approved: Attest:
________________________ ________________________
Ed Waage, Mayor Erica Inderlied, City Clerk
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-4
Attachment 1
STATE OF CALIFORNIA – CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, G OVERNOR
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
455 MARKET STREET, SUITE 300
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105-2421
VOICE (415) 904-5200
FAX (415) 904-5400
CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
LCP PLANNING GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT AND
APPLICATION DETAILS
The California Coastal Commission is pleased to announce the availability of Round 7 grant funding to support local government coastal resiliency efforts. Funding is provided by the Budget Act of 2021, which appropriates $31 million to the Coastal Commission to support its LCP Local Assistance Grant Program. The grant program is intended to provide assistance to local governments responsible for developing and amending Local Coastal Programs (LCPs).
Funds may be used for projects that are designed to assist local governments in assessing impacts and planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and which contain an LCP planning component. More information on the LCP Grant Program, eligible grantees and projects, program priorities, and evaluation criteria can be found in this document, and specific application requirements can be found in the Grant Application document.
Grant applications are due by Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 5 pm.
Coastal Commission staff is available to assist during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the LCP Grant team with any questions as they develop their applications. Contact information is provided below.
Contents
PURPOSE OF GRANTS ............................................................................................................................. 2 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................ 2 SUBMISSION DEADLINES ........................................................................................................................ 4 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................ 4 APPLICATION MATERIALS ....................................................................................................................... 5 GRANT AMOUNTS .................................................................................................................................. 5 ELIGIBLE GRANTEES and PROJECTS ........................................................................................................ 5 PROGRAM PRIORITIES ............................................................................................................................ 6 EVALUATION CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................... 7 APPLICATION REVIEW and AWARD PROCESS ........................................................................................ 9 GRANT ADMINISTRATION .................................................................................................................... 10 RELATED MATERIALS ............................................................................................................................ 11 CONTACT INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................... 12
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-5
Attachment 2
2 PURPOSE OF GRANTS
The purpose of the LCP Local Assistance Grant Program is to support local government efforts to enhance coastal resiliency in the face of climate change and sea level rise in a manner fully consistent with the policies of the California Coastal Act. The focus of these grants is to support the critical analysis, planning, and outreach steps of the LCP planning process necessary for developing tangible approaches for preparing for and adapting to climate change and sea level rise impacts, as well as development of new or updated LCP policies and subsequent activities relating to adopting and certifying LCP updates to ensure coastal resiliency strategies are implemented.
Funds are available to support local jurisdictions initiating coastal resilience planning as well as jurisdictions seeking to build off of prior or ongoing adaptation planning work. For example, funds can be used for climate change and sea level rise vulnerability assessments, adaptation plans, and updates to LCPs to better account for current best available science related to sea level rise and coastal hazards. Funds can also support completion of more targeted analyses or development of specific programs, such as detailed hazards studies for specific areas or assets of concern, cost benefit or other economic studies, feasibility studies related to nature-based or other adaptation strategies, phased adaptation plans, monitoring programs, wildfire resiliency plans, and analyses related to addressing environmental justice concerns. Funds may also be used for coordination efforts with California Native American Tribes, including for collaborative planning efforts that result in tribal resiliency plans or other adaptation plans that inform LCP updates. In all cases, projects should include an LCP planning component, which can range from a comprehensive update to more targeted changes to specific Land Use Plan (LUP) policies or Implementation Plan (IP) provisions. The LCP Grant Program is also designed to support comprehensive outreach and engagement as well as steps related to locally adopting LCP updates and submitting to the Coastal Commission for certification.
More information on eligible projects and program priorities can be found starting on page 5.
Commission staff is available to assist during the application process. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the LCP Grant Team with any questions as they develop their applications, particularly if there are questions regarding the types of projects that are eligible for funding. For staff contact information, please see page 12.
BACKGROUND
The LCP Program is an essential component of the California Coastal Act. LCPs implement the statewide goals and policies of the Coastal Act at the local level and are required by the Coastal Act for each local coastal jurisdiction. LCPs must specify the kind, location, and intensity of land uses and the applicable resource protection and development policies and implementing ordinances. They also must be developed with the widest opportunity for public participation.
LCPs and LCP updates are developed by local governments and, once certified by the Commission, the local government assumes responsibility for issuing most coastal development Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-6
Attachment 2
3 permits pursuant to the certified LCP. The Commission retains some continuing permit authority and authority to hear appeals of some local coastal permits acted on by a local government.
Goal 6 of the Commission’s adopted Strategic Plan1 is to continue to enhance the LCP planning program. One important way to do this is to complete the certification of LCPs. While most of the coast (approximately 87.5% of the geographic area) is governed by a certified LCP, there are some remaining uncertified areas. When these areas become certified, the local government will assume responsibility for issuing most coastal development permits in these areas. This will allow local governments more control and input with respect to coastal regulation, while at the same time allowing the Commission to focus more resources on assisting with matters of statewide significance and oversight, including with respect to ongoing review and coordination with local governments on LCP updates and implementation.
In addition to the coastal areas that are not yet certified, many of the LCPs that were certified in the 1980s and 1990s are now out of date and would benefit from updating to reflect changed conditions, new information and knowledge, and new programs and policies, especially those related to climate change, sea level rise, and disadvantaged communities. Updated LCPs provide more certainty for economic development and enable stronger coastal resource protection in light of current environmental conditions and other factors.
Goal 4 of the Commission’s adopted Strategic Plan is to support resilient coastal communities in the face of climate change and sea level rise. The Commission supports local governments developing informed policies that systematically address adaptation to sea level rise and other climate change-related impacts through LCP planning, coastal development permitting, guidance, interagency collaboration, and public education. Addressing the anticipated impacts of climate change is an integrated goal that advances implementation of many Coastal Act objectives; therefore, the LCP Grant Program aims to support protection of public access and coastal resources by promoting well-informed, well-adapted, resilient communities in the face of global climate change.
Round seven of this program may include ‘next steps’ that have been identified in recent LCP development, hazard analysis, vulnerability assessment, and adaptation planning efforts, to develop or update site-specific knowledge in light of current science regarding climate change and the anticipated impacts of sea level rise for California. Projects that include technical, planning, economic, engineering and/or design studies meant to further the development of climate change adaptation strategies (including phased approaches), and which would be reflected in eventual LCP policies, are eligible for funding.
Financial assistance has been, and will continue to be, a critical way to assist local governments in their coastal planning and adaptation to climate change and sea level rise. Such financial assistance can serve as an incentive for local governments to undertake such planning work and
1 California Coastal Commission Final Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025, Adopted November 2020 Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-7
Attachment 2
4 to develop adaptation strategies to address these impacts.
The proposals for the Round 7 grant funds will require complete project and task descriptions, work schedules and benchmarks, and a budget for completion of the planned work. The Commission will review and approve the recommended award of any grant funds, and the proposed projects will be part of that future action. Thus, as proposed, this grant program will facilitate the completion and update of LCPs consistent with the provisions of the Coastal Act and California Code of Regulations, the furthering of site-specific and regional knowledge, and the initial steps of planning and designing resilient climate change adaptation strategies that would be included in the LCP.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES
Applications are due Wednesday, December 22, 2021 and must be RECEIVED by 5 pm.
Applications must be emailed or mailed; faxed responses will not be considered.
If the governing body of an applicant cannot adopt a resolution similar to Attachment A of the application by the submission date, the applicant can submit the proposal with a draft resolution, provide a date for when the governing body will consider adoption of the resolution and submit the adopted resolution by 5 pm, Friday, January 28, 2022. All other materials must be submitted by the December 22 deadline. Applications will not be deemed complete until an adopted resolution is received. Applications that do not contain a final, adopted resolution by 5 pm, January 28, 2022 will not be considered for funding.
The Commission anticipates awarding the seventh round of grants in March 2022.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit the completed application form, including all attachments, via email to [email protected]. Submit all application materials combined in a single PDF file, AND submit the Project Proposal (including project description, task descriptions, schedule, and budget) as a Word document. See the Grant Application document for additional details and an application checklist. If you are unable to submit via email, you may mail a CD and hard copy to the Coastal Commission at the address below. Please coordinate with Kelsey Ducklow via email prior to mailing hard copy application materials.
Kelsey Ducklow
California Coastal Commission
455 Market St., Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94105
[email protected]
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-8
Attachment 2
5 Please note: all information that you submit is subject to the unqualified and unconditional right of the State of California to use, reproduce, publish, or display it, free of charge. All documents submitted will be considered a public record upon submittal and will be treated in accordance with Public Records Act requirements. Please indicate if credit is requested for any photos and/or maps.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
A complete grant application package will consist of the following materials, as described in detail in the Grant Application document.
1. Signed Application Form
2. Project Description
3. Task Descriptions and Schedule
4. Budget
5. Supplementary Information (optional)
6. Resolution from the Applicant’s Governing Body
GRANT AMOUNTS
For this competitive grant program, staff anti cipates project proposals for larger grant projects, such as those with multiple studies and/or more comprehensive LCP updates . Grant amounts could range up to approximately $500,000, though there are no established minimum or maximum grant amounts. Please note, a wards may be offered for less than an applicant has requested.
The Coastal Commission also recently approved 2 a non-competitive, rolling grant application process for targeted grants of up to $100,000 . The priority for these grants is on more targeted projects which have a high likelihood of success over a shorter grant term, such as a single feasibility study with targeted LCP changes. More information on application processes for the non -competitive grants is forthcoming.
ELIGIBLE GRANTEES and PROJECTS
These grants are intended to provide assistance to local governments responsible for developing and amending Local Coastal Programs, and such local governments must be the primary applicant and grantee. Coastal jurisdictions may also partner together in support of regional planning efforts and/or grant funds may be used to support relevant stakeholder groups to achieve specific project goals. For example, multiple jurisdictions could coordinate on studies and relevant LCP changes
2 See: Recommended Updates to the LCP Local Assistance Grant Program, adopted October 15, 2021.
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-9
Attachment 2
6 related to coordinated beach replenishment, sediment management, or other adaptation strategies; funds could be shared with a California Native American Tribe, Community Services District, Geologic Hazard Abatement District, or other entity to support development of an asset- or community-specific adaptation plan; or funds could be shared with community groups to support efforts to address environmental justice concerns or to support targeted outreach efforts, particularly for low-income or disadvantaged communities.
Local governments are eligible to apply for projects that were not previously funded. Similarly, local governments that have received prior LCP Local Assistance grants are eligible to apply for this round of grants to continue their work on coastal resilience planning and LCP certification.
Eligible projects are those that are designed to assist local governments in assessing impacts and planning for coastal resiliency, including adapting to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, and which contain an LCP planning component. Grant funds may be used for technical, economic, policy, and other analyses, feasibility studies, vulnerability assessments, adaptation plans, tribal resiliency planning efforts, outreach and coordination efforts, and activities related to LCP adoption and submittal. LCP planning components may include development of a new LCP, a comprehensive LCP update, an LCP amendment (e.g., updates to coastal hazards policies; incorporation of new sea level rise related policies or programs), targeted LCP changes (e.g., changes to LCP policies/zoning to allow for implementation of identified sea level rise adaptation strategies or climate resiliency projects; updates to previously adopted SLR policies in response to continued planning), or similar activities undertaken through a Public Works Plan (PWP) process.
Please note: Certain costs are ineligible for grant funding, such as equipment (e.g., computers, phones, and furniture), conferences, trainings, or items that will be sold. Commission staff will coordinate with grantees during grant agreement finalization and other relevant stages to address specific funding questions.
Commission staff is available for questions regarding eligible grantees and projects (see Contact Information below).
PROGRAM PRIORITIES
Applications will be evaluated for their ability to advance coastal resiliency efforts in the context of LCP planning. This may include:
• Completion of technical, economic, policy, or other analyses meant to assist in understanding, planning for, and adapting to climate change and sea level rise, and increasing coastal resiliency, including but not limited to general vulnerability assessments, studies to evaluate impacts based on evolving science (e.g., extreme sea level rise, groundwater change), feasibility and design studies for nature-based adaptation or other specific strategies, and development of monitoring programs Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-10
Attachment 2
7 • Planning work and/or related studies to support development of regional, neighborhood, site, or asset specific adaptation approaches, including phased adaptation/adaptation pathways, such as for a Shoreline Management Plan, a Coastal Hazards Response Plan as required by a Coastal Development Permit, or similar • Planning work and/or focused outreach efforts to increase public awareness and participation in climate change and sea level rise planning activities, particularly among vulnerable communities
• Planning work to address environmental justice concerns, particularly related to climate change and sea level rise planning activities, and to ensure equitable protection of coastal resources and provision of public coastal access and lower-cost recreation for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or place of residence • Completion of land use plan and/or zoning work to achieve certification of a new Local Coastal Program (or an Area of Deferred Certification) or planning and/or zoning work to significantly update certified LCPs (or LCP segments) in whole or in part to provide for coastal resiliency, or to reflect changed conditions, new information and scientific knowledge, new programs and policies, or other significant changed circumstances
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Applications for Round 7 LCP planning grants will be evaluated for their ability to complete the proposed project in the proposed timeline. All project proposals will be reviewed based on how well they meet the Commission’s six adopted evaluation criteria. The criteria will be considered as a whole, not weighted. The adopted criteria were updated at the Commission’s October 2021 hearing to reflect the current state of LCP and adaptation planning and are listed below .3
Public Benefit/Significance
The Commission will consider the extent to which the proposed project will address issues of statewide significance and maximize public benefits of the coast. These can include reducing greenhouse gases and addressing the impacts of climate change and sea level rise; preserving and enhancing coastal habitat; protecting, providing and enhancing public access; protecting priority land uses such as agriculture, coastal dependent development, or recreation; protecting and providing lower cost visitor and recreational opportunities. The Commission will consider the extent to which priority Coastal Act resources are addressed and the public benefits maximized.
Environmental Justice
In 2016, the Legislature passed AB 2616 giving the Coastal Commission explicit authority to consider environmental justice, defined in California Government Code Section 65040.12(e), as updated in 2020, as: “The fair treatment and meaningful engagement of people of all races,
3 See: Recommended Updates to the LCP Local Assistance Grant Program, adopted October 15, 2021.
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-11
Attachment 2
8 cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Low- income communities, indigenous communities, communities of color, and other marginalized communities often bear a disproportionate burden of pollution or other environmental harms, while suffering from a lack of environmental services, such as clean drinking water, clean air, and access to parks and open space. Addressing these types of disparities and barriers to meaningful involvement is critical for ensuring that Coastal Act goals of protecting coastal resources for all are equitably fulfilled, particularly as climate change results in evolving risks, without creating new or continuing to exacerbate existing environmental burdens in environmental justice communities. The Coastal Commission will consider the extent to which environmental justice issues are addressed when evaluating grant proposals.
Addressing the Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most significant policy areas to emerge since many of the LCPs have been certified. The Commission is seeking LCP updates and amendments that address the effects of climate change, including land use, housing, transportation, and habitat restoration and conservation policies that facilitate reductions in greenhouse gases and vehicle miles traveled, as well as the planning and implementation of strategies to adapt to sea level rise and other issue areas affected by climate change, such as changes in habitats and fire hazards.
Relative Need for LCP Update
Related to the public benefits of a proposal, the Commission will consider the relative need for an LCP update, considering the length of time since an LCP or LCP segment has been updated and the significance of the issues proposed to be updated. For example, many jurisdictions seek to assess vulnerability and develop adaptation solutions to address sea level rise, fire, or other climate change impacts to critical infrastructure, residential areas, recreational amenities and open space, or significant wetland and habitat areas. Others have identified needs to reduce vehicle miles traveled, encourage smart growth, increase climate-resilient housing supply, improve public transit, and enhance pedestrian and bicycle options, particularly to and along the coast. A proposal to complete technical studies, economic analyses, mapping, public outreach, and development of LCP policies in support of these options may be important.
Likelihood of Success/Effectiveness
Overall, the success of the Commission’s grant program will be measured by the progress made toward development and implementation of climate resilience strategies, including through LCP certification, update, or amendment. The Commission will consider the likelihood of success of each proposal, including evaluating the practicality, feasibility, and effectiveness of a proposed work program that may lead to successful implementation. Proposals must address the need for coordination with the public and the Commission, and provide for practicable benchmarks for development and review of studies, plans, LCP policies, and other project-specific deliverables.
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-12
Attachment 2
9 Other evidence in support of this criteria may include resolutions of intent and endorsement for the proposed work from the jurisdiction and other organizations, matching funds, or other complementary efforts (see below), or other factors that may affect the likelihood that an LCP amendment will be successfully completed. Applicants will be asked to describe any LCP planning work that has been initiated or is already underway at the local level and how this grant program is needed to substantially further that effort. A resolution from the applicant committing to completing an LCP Amendment submittal to the Commission will be required as part of the application.
For new LCP development, the local government should demonstrate its willingness and capacity to assume local coastal development permit processing. Relatedly, some areas of the coastal zone remain uncertified because the Commission and local government have been unable to reach agreement on the resolution of issues or the issue is particularly intractable.
The Commission will consider the likelihood that such areas and specific policy questions can be successfully addressed, leading to certification of the area.
Project Integration/Leverage/Matching Funds
The Commission will consider the relationship of the LCP work program to other planning work being undertaken by the jurisdiction. There are several statewide grant programs underway which may positively integrate with this LCP Planning Grant program. Applicants will be asked to describe any other related grant awards (such as through past Coastal Commission grant rounds, or from the Ocean Protection Council, Coastal Conservancy, Caltrans, or the Strategic Growth Council) that may support the LCP planning work. The Commission will consider the ability to integrate and leverage any additional program funds available that could help support LCP certification, update, or amendment.
APPLICATION REVIEW and AWARD PROCESS
Application Review
Completed proposals received by December 22, 2021 will be evaluated by a committee of Commission staff. Proposals lacking final adopted resolutions will be reviewed but will not be considered for funding absent submittal of a final, adopted resolution which must be received by 5pm on January 28, 2022.
Applicants may be contacted to provide additional information during the review process.
Commission staff may seek assistance in evaluating the proposals from individuals and/or technical experts with pertinent expertise from other governmental agencies or relevant stakeholders . All applications that are submitted will be posted on the Coastal Commission’s LCP Grant webpage.4
The level of funding that staff will recommend to the Commission for a particular award will
4 See: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/lcp/grants/
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Attachment 2
10 be determined by evaluating the grant requests against the adopted priorities and evaluation criteria, as well as administrative considerations including:
• the amount of available grant funds and the number of competing proposals • the sequence of tasks and likelihood of timely completion of the work program • the necessity of each task
• the reasonableness of costs proposed for specific tasks
Commission staff will prepare a listing of all applications received along with recommended grant awards for review and action by the Coastal Commission at a public hearing, most likely in March 2022.
Commission Approval of Grant Awards
Projects recommended for funding are subject to Coastal Commission approval. The Commission will base recommended awards on each project’s needs, its overall benefits, and the extent of competing demands for funds, in line with the adopted program priorities and evaluation criteria. Project funding will not be available until after approval of the grant award by the Commission, at a noticed public meeting, and upon the execution of a grant agreement between the Commission and the grantee. Grant funds will then be provided in arrears, as discussed below. The earliest possible Commission meeting at which awards will be considered is March 2022.
GRANT ADMINISTRATION
1. Commission. Coastal Commission staff will draft and execute the grant agreements and review, approve, and process invoices under the grant agreements. The Commission will also appoint an LCP grant project representative (LCP Grant Coordinator) to function as the main point of contact for grantees.
2. Grantee. The grantee must assume responsibility for administering the project, including:
employing any necessary staff or consultants, maintaining complete accounting and time records, and providing fiscal management. The grantee must designate a contact who is authorized to sign the grant agreement, any amendments, and requests for funds. This contact may be a staff member of the applicant’s agency or an elected official. The grantee must also designate a day-to-day contact if different from the contact authorized to sign grant documents. If awarded a grant, all grant agreements with the State, and any subcontract under the grant, must comply with all provisions of the State Public Contract Code, State Government Code, State Administrative Manual, and the State Contracting Manual, as well as more specific terms and conditions (e.g., reporting requirements) required by the Coastal Commission.
3. General LCP Grant Reporting and Auditing Requirements. All projects selected for funding will be required to report on LCP grant progress at a minimum every 3 months (i.e., on a Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-14
Attachment 2
11 quarterly basis) in conjunction with submitting invoicing materials described below under Payment. Reporting materials must be prepared and signed by project representatives identified in executed LCP grant agreements. All projects selected for funding must also maintain project documents for oversight and auditing purposes, as audits and program reviews may occur at any time during project implementation or up to three years after projects are completed. All projects selected for funding will also be subject to audit procedures and remedies for non-performance. The full terms and conditions for all grant projects will be provided during the grant agreement execution stage following the grant awards.
4. Payment. Grant funds will not be available in advance of expenditures. Expenses will be paid in arrears no more than once per month and no less than quarterly (assuming billable work occurred) upon submission of an approved invoice by the grantee and consistent with general LCP grant reporting requirements described above. Reimbursement will be dependent upon successful completion of work benchmarks detailed in the grant agreement. Based on task schedules and budget, grant reimbursements may be made for a portion of the grant award, with full reimbursement pending final completion of task deliverables as listed in the executed grant agreement.
5. Schedule. Work should be completed by December 31, 2025, though extensions may be allowed.
RELATED MATERIALS
The California Coastal Act and California Code of Regulations:
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/ccatc.html#otherlegislation
Information on updating LCPs: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/rflg/lcp-planning.html
Information on LCP status and history: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/lcps.html
Information on Grant Rounds 1-6, including links to work programs and completed deliverables:
https://www.coastal.ca.gov/lcp/grants/
CCC Guidance on Sea Level Rise: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/climate/slr/
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Attachment 2
12 CONTACT INFORMATION
Coastal Commission staff are pleased to assist local governments during preparation of LCP grant applications. Contact information for the LCP Grant Program Team is included below.
Please note that due to the COVID -19 Pandemic, many staff members continue to work from home, so email may be the best way to contact them at this time .
For questions on the overall grant application process, including project eligibility and funding requirements, please contact Kelsey Ducklow at: [email protected] or (415) 904- 2335.
Questions regarding specific project proposals should be directed to the LCP grant coordinator for the respective County:
• For Northern California counties (Del Norte through San Luis Obispo), please contact Kelsey Ducklow at: [email protected], or call (415) 904-2335. • For Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Orange Counties, please contact Karen Vu at:
[email protected], or call (415) 904-5268.
• For Los Angeles County, please contact Mary Matella at:
[email protected], or call (415) 904-6093
• For San Diego County, please contact Carey Batha at: [email protected], or call (415) 904-5287
For District-specific questions, contact information for each district office is listed below.
North Coast (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino Counties)
• Kate Huckelbridge, Deputy Director: [email protected], (415) 396-9708 • Bob Merrill, District Manager: [email protected], (707) 826-8950
North Central Coast (Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo Counties) • Dan Carl, Deputy Director: [email protected], (831) 427-4863 • Stephanie Rexing, District Manager: [email protected], (415) 904-5260
Central Coast (Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo Counties) • Dan Carl, Deputy Director: [email protected], (831) 427-4863 • Susan Craig, District Manager: [email protected], (831) 427-4863
South Central Coast (Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and the Malibu portion of Los Angeles County)
• Steve Hudson, Deputy Director: [email protected], (805) 585-1800 • Barbara Carey, District Manager: [email protected], (805) 585-1800
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Attachment 2
13 South Coast (Los Angeles (except Malibu) and Orange Counties) • Karl Schwing, Deputy Director, Orange County: [email protected], (562) 590-5071
• Steve Hudson, Deputy Director, Los Angeles County: [email protected], (562) 590-5071
• Amber Dobson, District Manager: [email protected], (562) 590-5071 • Shannon Vaughn, District Manager: [email protected], (562) 590-5071
San Diego (San Diego County)
• Karl Schwing, Deputy Director: [email protected], (619) 767-2370 • Diana Lilly, District Manager: [email protected], (619) 767-2370 • Kanani Leslie, District Manager: [email protected], (619) 767-2370
Council Agenda 1-4-2022 9.D-17
Attachment 2