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SANTIAGO PARK PHASE f CONSTRUC110N <br />The Budget Act of 2018, Senate Bill No. 840, Chapter 29, Section 3760-101-0001 (e) states that <br />$5 million shall be available for the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program. <br />CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S ENABLING LEGISLATION: <br />The proposed project is consistent with the provisions of Chapter 4.6 of Division 21. of the <br />Public Resources Code,.Sections 31170 at seq. regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy <br />Program and funding for recreational opportunities and trails within the Santa Ana River region. <br />The Santa Ana River region includes lands on either side of the Santa Ana River or its tributaries <br />(Section 31172(c)). The proposed project is located adjacent to Santiago Creek, which is a <br />tributary of the Santa Ana River. <br />Section 31173 states that the Conservancy may undertake projects and award grants to public <br />agencies to help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program, including <br />recreational opportunities and trails, and wildlife habitat and species restoration, <br />enhancement, and protection (Section 31173(a)). It further states that the Conservancy may <br />undertake projects for public access to, enjoyment of, and enhancement of recreational and <br />educational experience on program lands in a manner consistent with the protection of land <br />and natural resources and economic resources in the area (Section 31173(b)). <br />Section 31174(b) requires the Conservancy to prepare the Santa Ana River Parkway and Open <br />Space Plan (Plan), which was approved by the Conservancy in May 2018. The Plan is required to <br />identify and prioritize low -impact recreational and open -space needs, including additional or <br />upgraded facilities and parks that may be necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River <br />watershed. This project is identified as a priority project in the Plan that will assist in upgrading <br />facilities and parks that are necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. <br />Further, the project is consistent with the Plan, as discussed below in the Consistency with <br />Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria & Guidelines section. <br />Section 31174(c) states that the Conservancy shall "Give priority to river -related projects that <br />create expanded opportunities for recreation, greening, aesthetic improvement, and wildlife <br />habitat along the corridor of the river and in parts of the river channel that can be improved <br />without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control". <br />The proposed project will help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program <br />by awarding a grant to the City of Santa Ana to complete design and engineering for <br />recreational opportunities, trails and wildlife habitat restoration in Phase II of the Santiago Park <br />improvements. The project further will plan for expanded opportunities for recreation within <br />the park, and also plan for greening, aesthetic improvements, and wildlife habitat along <br />Santiago Creek. The separation of trails for pedestrians and bicyclists and improved security <br />lighting will expand and improve the recreational hiking and biking experience within the park. <br />The installation of interpretive elements also will improve the educational experience and <br />provide context for wildlife viewing and enjoyment. <br />Page 4 of 6 <br />