HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 28 - Grant Application for Landscape Transformation Program Public Works Agency
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Item # 28
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
April 6, 2021
TOPIC: Grant Application for Landscape Transformation Program
AGENDA TITLE
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing a Grant Application Submission for the Bureau of
Reclamation WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for the Santa Ana
Landscape Transformation Program (Non-General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director of the Public Works Agency to
submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation’s
Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow Small-Scale Water Efficiency
Programs Grant for the Turf Removal and Irrigation Improvements Program, in an amount
up to $75,000.
DISCUSSION
The U.S. Department of the Interior offers grant funding for small-scale water efficiency
projects through the Bureau of Reclamation’s Sustain and Manage America’s Resources
for Tomorrow (WaterSMART) Small-Scale Water Efficiency Programs (SWEP). To be
considered a small-scale project, total project costs should generally be $200,000 or less.
The current Notice of Funding Opportunity includes approximately $3 million for award to
agencies, with a maximum award amount of $75,000 per agency. Adoption of the
resolution authorizes the Executive Director of the Public Works Agency to submit a grant
application.
The Public Works Agency, Water Resources Division currently coordinates with the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to administer a landscape
transformation program that offers rebates for projects involving turf-removal and the
incorporation of water-saving plants, technology, irrigation and hardware. The program
aims to reduce outdoor residential water demand and improve water supply resilience
through landscape transformation, education and awareness. The Water Resources
Division intends to utilize the SWEP grant funds to expand the program and subsidize the
cost of residential turf removal projects for Santa Ana residents living in areas of the City
identified by California State Bill 535 as disadvantaged communities (DACs). The Santa
Ana Landscape Transformation Program will result in quantifiable water savings for the
City as a whole, and financial savings for DAC residents who participate in the program.
Adopt Resolution for BOR SWEP Grant
April 6, 2021
Page 2
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Staff will return to Council with a
request for approval of further actions and will indicate the fiscal impact of any such
awards and associated expenditures at that time.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution Authorizing Grant Application for Landscape Transformation Program
Submitted By: Nabil Saba, Executive Dir Public Works
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
jmf 3/10/21
Resolution No. 2021-XXX
Page 1 of 2
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT
FUNDING FROM THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION’S
WATERSMART SMALL-SCALE WATER EFFICIENCY
GRANTS FOR THE SANTA ANA LANDSCAPE
TRANSFORMATION PROGRAM
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
A. The City of Santa Ana will offer financial assistance for turf removal and
irrigation improvements for Senate Bill 535 identified Disadvantaged Communities (DACs)
within the City of Santa Ana, as part of the Santa Ana Landscape Transformation Program.
B. A combination of subsidies for turf removal, installation of low water usage
plants, and low water use irrigation systems will be offered to the willing participants.
C. The United States Department of the Interior offers financial assistance in the
form of grant funding through its Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART (Sustain and
Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Small-Scale Water Efficiency Project Grants
(SWEP) for this type of project. This program provides up to $75,000 in funding for projects
that provide small-scale water efficiency.
D. The City of Santa Ana desires to fund part of the cost of the Santa Ana
Landscape Transformation Program with grant funding from the Bureau of Reclamation’s
WaterSMART SWEP program in the amount of $75,000.
Section 2. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby authorizes and
directs the Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee, to complete, review,
sign and submit, for and on behalf of the City of Santa Ana, a grant application for the
Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART SWEP Program for the Santa Ana Landscape
Transformation Program in the amount of $75,000.
Section 3. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby designates the
Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee to provide the assurances,
certifications, and commitments required for the grant application, including executing a
financial assistance or similar agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation within
established deadlines and any amendments or changes thereto.
Section 4. The Executive Director of Public Works, or his or her designee, is
designated to represent the City of Santa Ana in carrying out the City’s responsibilities
Resolution No. 2021-XXX
Page 2 of 2
under the grant agreement, including certifying disbursement requests on behalf of the City
and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
Section 5. If a grant award is made by the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of
Santa Ana commits to providing a minimum of 100% in matching funds ($75,000) for the
project, and up to the balance of funds needed to complete the construction of the project.
Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this
Resolution.
ADOPTED this ____ day of ___________________, 20 21.
Vicente Sarmiento
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:
John M. Funk
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council, do hereby certify the attached Resolution No.
2021 -_____ to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa
Ana on _____________________, 20 21.
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana