COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Environmental Services Agency

DATE:

November 28, 2001

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 11, 2001

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Marcia Raines, Director, Environmental Services Agency

SUBJECT:

Approval of a Local Assistance Grant Application to the California State Parks and Recreation Department for the Crystal Springs Trail-South of Highway 92 Project in the Amount of $197,000

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing:

1.

The approval of a Local Assistance Grant Application to the California State Parks and Recreation Department for the Crystal Springs Trail-South of Highway 92 Project in the amount of $197,000.

2.

The Director of Environmental Services Agency to execute the grant agreement, and any other documents required by and for the project described in the grant.

Background

Through the kind assistance of the San Mateo County state legislative delegation, the Legislature and the Governor approved $200,000 in the Fiscal Year 2001-2002 state budget for work on the Crystal Springs Trail-South of Highway 92 Project. State Parks will deduct 1.5% ($3,000) from the appropriated amount for administrative fees, leaving County Parks with $197,000 for the project.

To receive the funds, County Parks is required to submit a complete application that includes, in part, a resolution from the governing board (San Mateo County Board of Supervisors).

Discussion

With over 325,000 annual visitors, Crystal Springs Trail is one of the most popular non-motorized, multi-use trails in California. The South of Highway 92 Project, coordinated with other projects, would complete an uninterrupted, non-motorized, multi-use trail stretching nearly 14 miles from the City of San Bruno to the City of Belmont. The 2001-2002 Budget Act funds would also improve safety for the various recreational uses (bicycling, in-line skating and hiking) and non-motorized commuter use by rehabilitating an existing service road.

The Crystal Springs Trail Extension-South of 92 project is part of the $1.2 million, Phase I portion of the Crystal Springs Trail Plan. Phase I adds 6.3 new miles to the Crystal Springs Trail, which will provide an uninterrupted, non-motorized, multi-use trail from the City of San Bruno to the City of Belmont. The South of 92 project includes rehabilitating and opening for public access an existing service road. The project also includes safety elements for the various uses (bicycling, in-line skating and scooting) and improving the road surface, and installing signage, fencing and gates to protect the sensitive habitat and San Francisco's Peninsula Watershed. The member request state funds will fund the design elements including environmental reconnaissance, topographical work, and plans and specification. Construction of trail elements will include any needed retaining walls, fencing and other safety elements as funding permits.

The Parks and Recreation Commission has reviewed this donation and recommends its acceptance.

The County Counsel's Office has reviewed the resolution and finds it in order.

Fiscal Impact

There is no impact on the County Parks budget.

The Local Assistance Grant funds for this project have been suspended by the Governor pending a change in the condition of the 2001-2002 State Budget. Submission of this application will prepare this project for contracting with State Parks should the funds be made available. At that time, County Parks will contract with State Parks to encumber the funds and secure their use for this project. With a fully executed contract, Count Parks will reappear before the Board with an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) to budget the funds properly.

The $197,000 is not adequate to complete the entire South of 92 Project. As a result, the grant application and grant project will reflect project components that can be delivered with the available funds and that will also provide recreational benefit. The remainder of the project will remain uncompleted until additional funds are identified.

Existing County Park staff resources will be used to administer and complete the project.