Proposition 68 LLAR Severely Disadvantaged Communities

Purpose:
Priorities for RMC LLAR Prop 68:

Develop urban recreation projects and habitat protection or restoration projects,Provide workforce development opportunities,Expand access to diverse populations,Secured matching funds

RMC’s LLAR Grants are specific to the Lower LA River corridor, considered within 1.5 miles of the main stem or tributary of the Lower LA River. Projects should be consistent with the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan.

Description:
Lower Los Angeles River:

The Lower Los Angeles River program area encompasses 1.5 miles on each side of the river’s lower 19-miles, from the City of Vernon to the City of Long Beach. The Lower Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan (LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of the Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, and equity; the public realm; and water and the environment along and in the vicinity of the river. The Plan has been incorporated into the watershed (LLARRP) describes opportunities for improving the environment of Lower Los Angeles River. The plan was developed through a watershed-based, equitable, community-driven process and it identified 155 potential multi-benefit projects that would improve community economics, health, equity; public realm; water along in vicinity river. Plan has been incorporated into Los Angeles River Master Plan Update. Funding will support projects in line with the LLARRP, immediate drought response, and long-term water resilience.

Funding for the SDAC specific grant program shall support Severely Disadvantaged Communities as defined by the state of California.

Applications:

Applications will be submitted in two phases: a Concept Proposal and a Full Application. Applicants will first submit a Concept Proposal that will be reviewed by RMC staff for consistency with RMC goals, any specific program priorities, and the strength of the proposed project. In addition, RMC staff will look at all Concept Proposals for location, need, project type, readiness, threats, cost, and cost share. RMC staff will offer applicants feedback regarding alignment with priorities, overall merit, and any ineligible costs. RMC staff will select Concept Proposals to move forward and will invite selected applicants to submit Full Applications. Applicants will be provided the Full Application upon RMC invitation. RMC staff are available to work with Applicants during the preparation of the Full Application, as needed. RMC may request Applicants to revise and resubmit Full Applications, as necessary.

It is strongly recommended that prospective applicants contact RMC staff for a consultation prior to submitting a Concept Proposal.

Eligible Applicants:
Nonprofit Public Agency Tribal Government

Eligible Applicants Include:

State agencies

Federal agencies

Tribal entities recognized on the current US Federal Register or the Native American Heritage Commission as a California Native American tribe

Local public agencies, including:

City or county

Water districts

School districts

Certified local conservation corps

Non-profit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation

Joint Powers Authority (JPA)

Eligible Uses
The following uses are eligible for reimbursement from RMC grant funds:
■ Grant funds may be used for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, and
protection of land and water resources.
■ Land acquisition costs may include appraisals, land, improvements, relocation costs, title reports, surveying, and escrow.
■ Land must be acquired from willing selle rs.
■ Facilities development projects must demonstrate a strong relationship and value to natural resource stewardship or environmental education.
■ Rehabilitation and restoration projects must be biologically and technically feasible.
■ Planning and pre- project costs can be included, though shall not exceed 20 percent
of total Grant Funds. (For complicated and extensive projects, this maximum may be increased to 25 percent on an exceptional basis. Please contact RMC with questions.) These costs may include consultant fees, plan documentation, specifications, CEQA/NEPA planning, and direct project management costs.
■ Indirect and Overhead expenses are allowed, though shall not exceed 10 percent
of total Grant Funds. Projects that have lower overhead will be deemed more competitive.

Ineligible Uses
The following uses are not eligible for reimbursement from RMC grant funds:
■ Operations and Maintenance related costs.
■ Projects that are located on school properties and not open to the general public or designed solely for school students, unless part of a multi - use project which allows for access from the general public.
■ Playground equipment and/or infrastructure such as swing sets and skate parks.
■ Facilities that do not have an environmental education focus or theme, such as basketball courts, hockey courts, etc. Multi- use projects may include these elements, but this program will not fund planning or development of such facilities.
■ Projects that cause erosion or contribute to flooding.
■ Projects on land or improved property acquired by condemnation from an unwilling seller.
■ BMP (Best Management Practices) directed projects that lack an improved habitat, low impact public recreation access, or environmental education components.
■ Projects traditionally provided by the private, non- government sector or by concessionaires, such as gift shops, equipment rentals, concession stands, etc., unless it can be shown that no private entrepreneur is willing to provide services, and there is demonstrated need for the Project.
■ Projects that exclusively fulfill other mitigation requirements.