COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager's Office

DATE:

November 26, 2002

BOARD MEETING DATE:

December 3, 2002

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

John L. Maltbie, County Manager

SUBJECT:

Ratification and Approval of an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program Application for the Mirada Surf Oceanside Parcel Acquisition Project

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution:

1.

Ratifying and approving submission of an Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation 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

Established by the Legislature in 1989, the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) offers $10 million annually for grants to local, state, and to nonprofit organizations for projects to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by new or modified transportation facilities. State gasoline tax monies fund the EEMP. According to the Resource Agency, grants are awarded in three categories:

●

Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry-- Projects designed improve air quality through the planting of trees and other suitable plants.

●

Resource Lands -- Projects for the acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of watersheds, wildlife habitat, wetlands, forests, or other natural areas.

●

Roadside Recreational -- Projects for the acquisition and/or development of roadside recreational opportunities.

Applications were due on November 22, 2002. The County submitted an application before the deadline conditioned on ratification and approval of the submission by the Board of Supervisors. The Resources Agency will transmit its recommendation to the California Transportation Commission by April 15, 2003 for approval. The Commission will tentatively approve or not approve applications in July 2003. Funding, if approved, may be available by September 2003.

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. An application, approved by the Board, has been submitted for Recreational Trails Program funds.

Parks Foundation staff has completed the EEMP application. However, the County, as the stronger applicant, has submitted the application. Funding for this grant application will not become available until after the expiration of the purchase option extension. The sellers have discussed with Parks Foundation staff their willingness to consider a lengthening of the option extension if necessary for securing approved grant funds.

Vision Alignment

Efforts to acquire funds (including application to EEMP) 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

Approval of submission of this grant application could result in a revenue enhancement of up to $250,000.