Subject: URBAN STREAMS RESTORATION PROGRAM
COUNCIL
DISTRICT: Citywide
SNI AREA: N/A
Adopt a resolution authorizing the
City Manager to submit a joint application with the San José Conservation Corps
and if awarded, negotiate and execute a grant agreement with the State of
California, Department of Water Resources.
The grant will provide $167,570 for services performed by the San José
Conservation Corps at Alum Rock Park under the Urban Streams Restoration
Program for the period of July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002.
BACKGROUND
The Department of Parks,
Recreation, and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) was requested by the San José
Conservation Corps (SJCC) to collaborate in the preparation of a funding
application for Urban Streams Restoration Program funds, to restore and enhance
the riparian and aquatic resources along the Upper Penitencia Creek in Alum
Rock Park. PRNS agreed to participate
since the objectives were supportive of PRNS strategies and programs.
The creek restoration work to be
done within Alum Rock Park is consistent with, and follows the guidelines of
the DRAFT Alum Rock Park Riparian
Management Plan.
The purpose of the Urban Streams
Restoration Program is to provide projects that prevent property damage caused
by flooding and bank erosion, restore the natural value of streams, and promote
community stewardship. The objective of this grant project is to implement the
recommendations of the DRAFT Alum
Rock Park Riparian Management Plan. This is a collaborative project between the
City of San José and the San Jose Conservation Corps. The project will utilize the San Jose Conservation Corps to
control soil erosion, replace non-native evasive vegetation with native
vegetation that benefits the riparian and aquatic habitats, and to develop and
install interpretive signage designed to educate the public about soil erosion,
flooding, and natural environments.
The City is a party to this
agreement because the work the San Jose Conservation Corps will be performing
is on City property. The City will
receive no funds from this grant; the total amount will go the Corps.
The San José Conservation Corps is
a job training and education program whose corpsmembers consist of local
at-risk-youth (18-27). The project will
provide these youth with an appreciation of the environment, team building
skills, and work experience that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
The San José Conservation Corps,
Alum Rock Park Trail Volunteers and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council endorsed
the collaborative proposal.
This memo has been coordinated
with the City Attorney’s Office and the Environmental Services Department.
The State of California Department of Water Resources will
grant the City of San José and the San Jose Conservation Corps $167,570 to
provide riparian and aquatic restoration to the Upper Penitencia Creek in Alum
Rock Park. PRNS will provide $11,000
from the Alum Rock Park Operating Budget in Fiscal Year 2001-2002. The funding received from the State of
California under this agreement ($167,570) will be used by the SJCC to fund the
remaining personal and non-personal costs associated with this project. There are no ongoing costs associated with
this agreement.
MARK LINDER
Director, Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services