COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

DATE:

April 23, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

April 30, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Approval of a Land and Water Conservation Fund Program Grant Application in the Amount of $1,500,000 for the Mirada Surf Oceanside Parcel Acquisition Project

County Manager's Report Number Four

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution:

1.

Approving a Land and Water Conservation Fund Program grant application in the amount of $1,500,000 for the Mirada Surf Oceanside Parcel Acquisition Project; and

2.

Authorize the County Manager to execute and submit the grant application and any other subsequent documents related to the grant.

Background

The Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grant program (LWCF) provides funds to all fifty states. The money allocated to the states may be used for statewide planning, and acquiring and developing outdoor recreation areas and facilities. The California State Department of Parks and Recreation administers the funds allocated to California. Funds for the program are derived from federal recreation fees, sales of federal surplus real property, the federal motorboat fuels tax and the Outer Continental Shelf mineral receipts. California's allocation last year was $7.7 million. This year California will receive $13 million, of which $3.2 million has been allocated to local agencies in Northern California on a competitive basis.

The LWCF is limited to outdoor recreation purposes, and to indoor facilities which support outdoor recreation activities. The types of projects most often funded by local agencies are acquisition or development of neighborhood, community, and regional parks that include top priority recreation projects or acquisitions of wetlands. A complete LWCF application includes, in part, a resolution from the governing body authorizing submission of the application.

Discussion

The property commonly known as Mirada Surf (APN 047-330-010 and APN 047-331-010; the Eastside and Westside parcels respectively) is a 49-acre stretch of land nestled between the northern boundary of Half Moon Bay and the southern edge of the community of El Granada. The property lies on both sides of Highway 1 providing tremendous open space and recreational potential. In addition to the potential as a staging area for coastal access such as surfing, the area is a popular destination for families with children, as the beach to the north is sheltered and safe for wading.

The Board has acted in support of the Mirada Surf Parcel Acquisition Project. On August 21, 2001, this Board authorized and directed county staff to negotiate a purchase price and sale agreement for Mirada Surf. The negotiated purchase price is $6,000,000. On January 8, 2002, this Board authorized a resolution directing the Board President to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the Mirada Surf in two stages, and to execute and record Certificates of Acceptance of any grants or deeds of real property as required to complete the acquisition. In addition to allocating $3 million towards the total purchase price of $6 million, this Board obtained an option through December 31, 2002 on the western parcel.

County staff and the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation staff are collaborating to secure additional funds for the Westside Parcel (Oceanside Parcel) acquisition of Mirada Surf. County staff has contacted members of the County's legislative delegation. A request for a federal earmark has been sent to Senator Boxer. County staff has begun conversations with State Senator Sher regarding potential state funds through sources including a member's request. In addition, staff is supporting the Foundations continuing efforts to secure California Coastal Conservancy funds. Application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund would support the Board's efforts to protect permanently Mirada Surf.

Since the County has taken title to the Eastside parcels, the proposed LWCF application would focus on purchase of the Westside parcels, which are west of Highway 1. The Westside parcels are valued at $3,000,000, of which County staff will seek half from the LWCF. If the County's application is selected, the request amount will likely be much less than the application's request of $1,500,000.

Vision Alignment

Efforts to acquire funds (including application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund) for the permanent protection of the Mirada Surf property support the County's principle of preserving and providing people access to our natural environment and Goal #13-Fixing the boundary between open space and development protects the quality of the natural environment and Goal #15-Residents have nearby access to green space, such as parks and recreational opportunities.

Fiscal Impact

LWCF guidelines require the applicant agency to finance the entire project cost. Should the LWCF fund the Mirada Surf Parcel Acquisition, fifty percent of the actual expenditures up to the grant amount will be refunded when the project has been completed. County staff continues to work with the Foundation to identify more funds including the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Fund to complete the project

In addition, half of the state's administrative costs surcharge is paid by the grant recipient and will be deducted from the reimbursement. The surcharge amount is based on the amount of the grant and as a result cannot be determined at this time.

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