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1 CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION
LCP LOCAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
NON-COMPETITIVE GRANT APPLICATION FORM
The California Coastal Commission is pleased to announce the availability of rolling 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. 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.
As part of the recently adopted grant program updates, the Coastal Commission developed a non-competitive, rolling application process that is separate from the Commission’s competitive grant rounds. This rolling application process is designed for targeted projects up to $500,000 which have a high likelihood of success over a shorter grant term, such as a single feasibility study with targeted LCP changes. The application form and additional details are provided below. More information on eligible grantees and projects, program priorities, and evaluation criteria can be found in the recently adopted LCP Grant Program Updates.
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
APPLICATION FORM......................................................................................................................................1 APPLICATION MATERIALS .............................................................................................................................3 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS.........................................................................................................................6 CONTACT INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................7 Attachment A: Sample Resolution................................................................................................................9 Attachment B: Application Checklist ..........................................................................................................11 Attachment C: Program Priorities and Evaluation Criteria .........................................................................12
APPLICATION FORM
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2 APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant name (agency):
Address:
Primary Contact name: Title:
Telephone: Fax:
Email:
Federal Tax ID#:
Person authorized to sign grant agreement, amendments, and Request for Funds:
Name: Title:
Telephone: Email:
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Title:
LCP/LCP Segment:
Project Location
City/Geographic area:
County:
Project Timeline
Start date: MM/DD/YYYY End date: MM/DD/YYYY
Signature: Date:
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3 APPLICATION MATERIALS
A complete grant application package will consist of the following materials. Please note the entire grant application will be public record upon submittal.
1. Signed Application Form. The signed application form (page 2, above), including the agency, primary contact, person authorized to sign, and project information.
2. Project Description. Provide a clear description of the proposed project, including how the project will meet program priorities and fulfill the evaluation criteria (see Attachment C).
Describe the goals and objectives to be achieved as well as key deliverables and LCP planning components (including specifying whether proposed work will include updates on the Land Use Plan, Implementation Plan/Zoning Code, and/or a Public Works Plan). Note that public outreach and coordination with Coastal Commission staff are required components of these grants. The Project Description section should be no more than 2 pages in 12 point font, single-spaced.
Please note that the non-competitive grant program is intended for 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. Comprehensive LCP updates or projects that include development of multiple studies and significant LCP changes will likely be more appropriate for the competitive grant rounds.
3. Task Descriptions and Schedule. Provide a description of the tasks that will accomplish your project goals and objectives (see Section (a.) below) and complete a proposed schedule, including anticipated benchmarks, for implementation of each task (see Section (b.) below). a. Task Descriptions: Identify specific tasks and subtasks to be accomplished and provide a narrative description of each task and subtask, including the approach needed to accomplish the task and the roles of partners and stakeholders. Task descriptions should briefly state how they support the overall project goals.
Proposed deliverables for each task should be described as well, such as draft and final sea level rise vulnerability assessments and adaptation reports, and draft, revised draft, and submittals of Land Use Plans, Implementation Plan, and/or Public Works Plans. Note that tasks (and the schedule, below) should account for review of major deliverables by Coastal Commission staff and members of the public prior to finalization.
Please describe how the project applicant will conduct outreach to engage stakeholders in the planning process, particularly those from disadvantaged and lowincome communities, as well as California Native American Tribes, and how these stakeholders will be involved in the planning or assessment process. If your project includes partners, please identify their roles and responsibilities.
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4 b. Schedule: Complete the schedule template below for each task and subtask. Please specify dates for the submittal of interim drafts as well as final deliverables as applicable (e.g., Draft Vulnerability Assessment and Final Vulnerability Assessment).
Staff anticipates that these targeted grants will support projects that can be accomplished in approximately two years, though longer project terms will be considered.
Proposed Start/End Dates:
Task 1. Title Projected start/end dates:
1.1 Subtask Name Projected start/end dates:
1.2 Subtask Name Projected start/end dates:
…etc. Projected start/end dates:
Outcome/Deliverables:
a. …
b. …
a. Completion date
b. Completion date
Task 2. Title Projected start/end dates:
2.1 Subtask Name Projected start/end dates:
2.2 Subtask Name Projected start/end dates:
…etc. Projected start/end dates:
Outcome/Deliverables
a. …
a. Completion date
…Continue for all required Tasks Projected start/end dates:
c. Benchmark Schedule: Please list (1) all significant and pertinent project benchmarks related to the project for which funds are being requested, (2) expected dates for reaching or completing those steps. These dates will be used in monitoring grant progress and in grant reporting under approved grant agreements.
ACTIVITY COMPLETION DATE
4. Budget. Please include a task-by-task budget for both County/City staff labor and for potential consultants and/or project partners. Budget detail on sub-tasks is not necessary and budgets may be amended following execution of grant agreements. Note that consultant/partner costs must be listed by task and must include all costs relating to consultant/partner labor, travel, supplies, overhead, etc. If consultants will be hired at a later date, please include a budget estimate per task that can be updated after hiring the consultants. Please note that these non-competitive, rolling grants are intended for projects up to $500,000. Applications for larger grant projects should be reserved for future competitive grant rounds.
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5 Application Budget Information
Funding Request: $ Total Project Cost: $
Jurisdiction Name CCC Grant Total Match/Other
Funds
Total (LCP Grant
Funds + Match/
Other Funds)
LABOR COSTS1
County/City Staff Labor
Task 1 – Task name
Task 2 – Task name
Task 3 – Task name, etc.
Total Labor Costs
DIRECT COSTS
County/City Staff Project Supplies
A
B, etc.
Total
County/City Staff Travel In State2
Mileage
Hotel, etc.
Total
Consultants3/Partners
Consultant A
Task 1 – Task Name
Task 2 – Task Name
Consultant B, etc.
Task 1 – Task Name
Task 2 – Task Name
Consultants Total
Total Direct Costs
OVERHEAD/INDIRECT COSTS4
Total County/City Staff
Overhead/Indirect Costs
TOTAL PROJECT COST
1 Amount requested should include total for salary and benefits. 2 Travel reimbursement rates are the same as similarly situated state employees. 3 All consultants must be selected pursuant to a bidding and procurement process that complies with all applicable laws. 4 Indirect costs include, for example, a pro rata share of rent, utilities, and salaries for certain positions indirectly supporting the proposed project but not directly staffing it. Amount requested for indirect costs should be capped at 10% of amount requested for “Total Labor.”
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6 5. Supplementary Information (optional). Additional photos, maps and/or other information may be included as attachments if such materials will help illustrate or support the proposed project. This may include maps or other information identifying disadvantaged and low-income communities within the planning area; maps, photos, or other information regarding project areas identified to be significantly impacted by climate change or sea level rise; brief descriptions or links to previously completed studies or other work upon which the proposed project will build; or letters of support from relevant stakeholders.
Please note: All photos, maps, and additional information submitted is subject to the unqualified and unconditional right of the State of California to use, reproduce, publish, or display it, free of charge. All items 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 or documents.
6. Resolution from the Applicant’s Governing Body. Please submit a resolution that contains the following authorizations: 1) authority to submit the proposal, 2) authority to enter into a grant agreement with the California Coastal Commission if the grant is awarded, and 3) designation of the applicant’s authorized representative (name and title). A sample resolution is provided as Attachment A. Resolutions should also contain clear statements of commitment to full completion of the intended grant process, including submission of applicable LCP products (LCP submittal or amendment) to the Commission for review.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
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 Attachment B for an application checklist. 5 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]
5 Please note: all information that is submitted 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.
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7 Once an application has been submitted, Commission staff will confirm it has been received, and may follow up for clarifications, additional details, or to recommend that an amended application be submitted. The Executive Director will make a final determination on grant awards within 30 days of submittal of a complete grant application. Applicants will be notified of the decision, and staff will provide an update to the Coastal Commission on awarded projects. Projects not awarded funding through the non-competitive program will still be eligible for future competitive grant rounds.
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 Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo Counties, please contact Awbrey Yost at: [email protected], or call (831) 427-4863.
• For Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Orange Counties, please contact Brittney Cozzolino at: [email protected], or call (415) 904-5271. • For Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, please contact Karen Vu at:
[email protected], or call (415) 904-5268.
• For Los Angeles and San Diego Counties, please contact Mary Matella at:
[email protected], or call (415) 904-6093
For District-specific questions, contact information for each district office is listed below.
North Coast (Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino Counties)
• Shana Gray, Deputy Director: [email protected], (415) 904-5280 • Melissa Kraemer, 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
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8 Central Coast (Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo Counties) • Dan Carl, Deputy Director: [email protected], (831) 427-4863 • Kevin Kahn, 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 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
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9 Attachment A: Sample Resolution6
WHEREAS, the Budget Act of 2021 provides up to $31 million to support the Coastal Commission’s LCP Local Assistance Grant Program which awards grants to local governments to support coastal resiliency and updates to Local Coastal Programs (LCPs); 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 a grant program to provide such financial assistance for LCP planning; and WHEREAS, the goal of the grant program is to develop new or updated LCPs in conformance with the California Coastal Act and to promote coastal resiliency and address the effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, grant proposals submitted under this grant program must complete Local Coastal Program (LCP) planning work with special emphasis on coastal resiliency and addressing the effects of climate change and sea-level rise; and
WHEREAS, (insert name of jurisdiction), has [does not yet have] an effectively certified LCP [or LCP segment]; and
WHEREAS, the (name of jurisdiction), desires to pursue a project that would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal Commission of an Amendment to the LCP [in whole or in part]; and
[For uncertified areas] WHEREAS, the (name of jurisdiction), desires to pursue a project that would result in the completion and submittal for certification by the California Coastal Commission of an LCP and desires to assume permit issuing authority; and WHEREAS, the (name of jurisdiction) commits to and agrees to fully support a planning effort intended to [complete or] amend a certified LCP pursuant to the provisions of the California Coastal Act, with full public participation and coordination with the Coastal Commission staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the [name of legislative or policy body], of the [name of jurisdiction], hereby:
1. Directs [name of jurisdiction] staff to submit the grant application package attached hereto as Attachment 1 to the California Coastal Commission to provide financial and planning assistance, under authority of the California Coastal Act, in the amount of $___________ to fund the project more particularly described in the grant application package.
6 This sample is provided for informational purposes only; please contact your attorney before using this sample.
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10 2. Authorizes the (title of official), of the (name of jurisdiction), to execute, in the name of the (name of jurisdiction), 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.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the (name of legislative or policy body), of the (name of jurisdiction), on this ____ day of _______________, 2021 on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Attest:
_____________________________________
Signed:
____________________________________
(name and title of official authorized to sign resolutions of the governing body)
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11 Attachment B: Application Checklist
A complete Grant Application Packet includes the following components. Please submit all documents in a single PDF file as well as a Word Document of the Project Proposal details, as noted below. It is very important to receive the PDF file and a Word document for efficiency in preparing grant agreement documents. Thank you for your attention to these important components of the application.
Signed LCP Grant Application Form (.pdf)
Project Proposal (.docx)
o Project Description, Task Descriptions, Schedule, Budget, and Supplemental Information
Signed Resolution (.pdf)
All documents combined into a single PDF file (.pdf)
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12 Attachment C: Program Priorities and Evaluation Criteria Applications for LCP local assistance planning grants will be evaluated for their ability to complete the proposed planning work. Projects selected for funding will be those that best meet the Commission’s adopted program priorities and evaluation criteria, which were updated at the October 2021 hearing to reflect current planning needs. 7 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. Local governments are eligible to apply for projects that were not previously funded.
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, 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.
More information on eligible project types is provided in the program priorities and evaluation criteria sections below. Additional details, including project examples, may be provided in forthcoming grant application announcements.
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 7 See: Recommended Updates to the LCP Local Assistance Grant Program, adopted October 15, 2021.
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13 • 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
Staff will evaluate grant applications against the following selection criteria. The criteria will be considered as a whole, not weighted.
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, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” Lowincome 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
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14 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.
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
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15 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.