COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

DATE:

September 17, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 24, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Approval of a Recreational Trails Program Grant Application for the Mirada Surf Oceanside Parcel Acquisition Project

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution:

1.

Approving a Recreational Trails Program grant application 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 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds for recreational trails and trails-related projects. The RTP is administered, at the federal level, by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It is administered at the state level, by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks). Nonmotorized projects are administered by the Department's Planning and Local Services Section. Nationwide, $50 million has been made available for Fiscal Years 2000 through 2003. California's share is expected to be approximately $3.5 million in FY2000 through FY2003.

For non-motorized projects, seventy percent (70%) of the funds received by California will be available on a competitive basis to cities, counties, districts, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands. At least one-half of the funds for non-motorized trails will be available only to cities, counties, districts and nonprofit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands. Each state shall allocate not less than 40 percent (40%) of the moneys received to trails that provide for diversified trail use. Diversified trails provide for the greatest number of compatible uses or innovative recreational trail corridor sharing to accommodate motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail use.

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. The County and Foundation were successful in securing approximately $350,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in support of the project.

Since the County has taken title to the Eastside parcels, the proposed RTP 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 approximately $300,000 from RTP. If the County's application is selected, the granted amount will likely be less than the County's requested amount.

Vision Alignment

Efforts to acquire funds (including application to the RTP) 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

RTP guidelines limit the share attributable to the RTP to no more than 80 percent of the total project cost. The local match must be from a non-federal source. The local match may include local, state or private funds as well as materials and services. Foundation funds or other local match funds will be used to meet the RTP local match requirement. County staff continues to work with the Foundation to identify more funds including the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Fund to complete the project.