CALIFORNIA STATE COASTAL CONSERVANCY (4)

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SANTIAGO PARK PHASE I CONSTRUCTION Section 31174(b) requires the Conservancy to prepare the Santa Ana River Parkway and Open Space Plan (Plan), which was approved by the Conservancy in May 2018, The Plan is required to identify and prioritize low -impact recreational and open -space needs, including additional or upgraded facilities and parks that may be necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. This project is identified as a priority project in the Plan that will assist in upgrading facilities and parks that are necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. Further, the project is consistent with the Plan, as discussed below in the Consistency with Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria & Guidelines section. Section 31174(c) requires the Conservancy to "give priority to river -related projects that create expanded opportunities for recreation, greening, aesthetic improvement, and wildlife habitat along the corridor of the river and in parts of the river channel that can be improved without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control". The proposed project will help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program by awarding a grant to the City of Santa Ana to provide recreational opportunities, trails and wildlife habitat restoration in Santiago Park by rehabilitating old facilities, improving trails, and adding new recreational facilities such as an amphitheater and playground. The project is a priority because it is river -related, and further will expand opportunities for recreation within the park and provide greening, aesthetic improvements, and wildlife habitat along Santiago Creek without infringing on water quality, supply and necessary flood control. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S 2018-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTI►/E(S): Consistent with Goal 9, Objective 0 of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will construct public access facilities along Santiago Creek, a tributary to the Santa Ana River and linked to the Santa Ana River Trail. Consistent with Goal 10, Objective C of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will enhance natural habitats and open space in the Santa Ana River watershed by installing native riparian vegetation along Santiago Creek. Consistent with Goal 16, Objective A of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will benefit disadvantaged communities by providing recreational and educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth visiting the Discovery Cube Orange County and utilizing Santiago Creek Park as part of the field trip experience. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY°S PROJECT" SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines, last updated on October 2, 2014, in the following respects: Page 5 of 7