In January 2022, the Community and Economic Development Department and Community Services Department applied for the CCLGP grant program (Cycle 1) to provide funding to promote beautification in public spaces. The grant program made available $296 million to local agencies in California to support eligible projects. Staff submitted a request for $2.3 million, however, the City was not selected for award at that time.

In February 2023, additional funding became available under CCLGP (Cycle 2). Staff resubmitted an amended application requesting $500,000 in grant funds with the commitment to improve parks and pathways with the ultimate goal to reduce litter, improve public health, and to benefit underserved communities. The total amount awarded to the City of Garden Grove was $441,000 and a required project completion date by June 2026.

The awarded funds will focus on demonstrating a direct benefit to the underserved community surrounding the project. The Medal of Honor Bike and Pedestrian Trail has been identified as the project site that meets this criteria.  This project will be administered by the Economic Development and Housing Department with support from the Community Services Department and Public Works/Sewer Division. The proposed amenities and enhancements reflect the public requests for the Medal of Honor Bike and Pedestrian Trail including: trash receptacles, liter abatement signage, trail furniture, bike racks, landscaping/mulch, outdoor fitness equipment, and public engagement in the project that reflects community priorities.

Pursuant to the statute, the intent is to achieve the following:

1.   Reduce waste and debris within public rights-of-way;

2.   Install measures to improve park spaces and mitigate the urban heat island effect, water run-off;

3.   Enhance public health by improving areas for walking and recreation; and,

4.   Advance equity to disadvantaged communities surrounding the project. 

In addition, a detailed maintenance plan was included in the scope of work to ensure preservation of the amenities in the future.

Total cost of the Project is $716,000. CCLGP requires a local match as a percentage determined by the “severity of disadvantage” (SOD) of the community surrounding the project; defined as all census tracts within a half mile radius of the project site.  The City’s committed contribution is calculated at 37.5%.

The budget summary is as follows:

The local cash match contribution is $122,789. Funding for the match is anticipated to be a combination of General Fund, and other governmental funds available including: AQMD, Park Fees, and Water/Sewer funds, to minimize the impact to the General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Adopt a Resolution authorizing participation in the Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP);
• Approve appropriation of grant funds in the amount of $441,000, and required matching funds in the amount of $122,789 (GL: 242-715-1280, JL: GT1408000);
• Authorize the City Manager, or designees, to execute vendor agreements and amendments for the purpose of this Project; and
• Authorize the City Manager, or designees, to execute the Restricted Grant Agreement, Amendments, and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto, on behalf of the City.

By:    Alana R. Cheng, Administrative Officer