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TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ;
FROM: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE Costa
DATE: JANUARY 7, 2003 County
SUBJECT: 2003 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY PROGRAM !
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION:
ACCEPT report prepared by the County Administrator summarizing the 2002 federal
legislative advocacy program and providing direction for the 2003 program.
BACKGROUND:
On January 22, 2002, the Board of Supervisors authorized the County Administrator to
execute a contract with Paul Schlesinger of Alcalde and Fay for federal legislative advocacy
services and directed the County Administrator to report to the Internal Operations
Committee in December on the County's approach to the federal legislative program.
Attached is a report prepared by Sara Hoffman, Assistant County Administrator for legislation
and intergovernmental relations, describing the County's approach and experiences for
calendar year 2002 and providing insight into the recommended approach for 2003. The
report includes the following attachments:
♦ Attachment 1: Board-approved platform of 15 priorities
♦ Attachment 2: Briefing papers on each of the ten earmark priorities
a Attachment 3: Congressional delegation letter of support for North Richmond
circulation project, and flood control and channel dredging projects
♦ Attachment 4: Status of TANF reauthorization and child support penalties
♦ Attachment 5: Washington Post article on federal budget
As discussed at our Committee meeting on December 16, 2002, due to the deadlock
between the House of Representatives and the Senate this year, most of the County's
issues remain in suspense. Therefore, the County Administrator is anticipating in 2003 a
continuation of the current-year program and priorities.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE `
---------------------------- ___ ...._-_--------_----___._.-_-----____________ ___s:__
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _:s''�tECOMMEN�}'fAT N OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER R
✓ ,S�F
SIGNATURE(S):
MARK DeSAULNIER GA . UILKEMA
-------—-----------____—_ - --- ------ --_ - --------------_ — —___- _ _---------------------r--------------------------
ACTION OF BOARD ON,': d,hit'A r4, L.J 4 t� �"Er' i � APPROVE AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
x
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ,1 ✓s` l AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE
AYES: NOES: SHOWN.
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: "'
ATTESTED L�e V y s '
CONTACT: JULIE ENEA (925)338-1077 JOHN SWEETE .CLE K OFT BOARD
OF'SUPERVIS S AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
CC: INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE STAFF
SARA HOFFMAN,ASST.CAO®INTERGOV RELATIONS r,
/1 �,��.l:1. f:
BY , �% —,DEPUTY
IOC Packet 12116102
9:25 Item
20012 INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
APPROACH TO FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
On January 22, 2462, the Board of Supervisors authorized the County Administrator to
execute a contract with Paul Schlesinger of Alcalde and Fay for federal legislative
advocacy services and directed the County Administrator to report to the Internal
Operations Committee in December on the County's approach to the federal legislative
program.
December 16,2002
Attached is a report prepared by Sara Hoffman, Assistant County Administrator for
legislation and intergovernmental relations, describing the County's approach and
experiences for calendar year 20032 and providing insight into the recommended
approach for 2003. The report includes the following attachments:
♦ Attachment 1: Board approved platform of 15 priorities
r Attachment 2: Briefing papers on each of the ten earmark priorities
♦ Attachment 3: Congressional delegation letter of support for North Richmond
circulation project, flood control and channel dredging projects
r Attachment 4: Status of TANF reauthorization and child support penalties
♦ Attachment 5: Washington Post article on federal budget
Ms. Hoffman will be in attendance to answer questions of the Committee.
County of Contra Costa
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
MEMORANDUM
DATE: December b, 2002
TO: Internal Operations Committee
Supervisor Marls DeSaulnier, Chair
Supervisor Gayle B. Uilkema, Member
FROM: Sara Hoffman
Assistant County'Administrator
SUBJECT: YEAR END REPORT—2002 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM
Recommendation
ACCEPT the report on the County's 2002 Federal Legislative Platform.
Background
When the Board of Supervisors adopted Contra Costa County's 2002 Federal Legislative
Platform, it also requested the Internal Operations Committee to conduct an end-of-year
review of the"approach utilized for the legislative platform."
The 2002 Federal Legislative Platform was developed in consultation with individual Board
Members, department staff and the County's federal lobbyist, Paul Schlesinger of Alcalde
and Fay. Staff developed a concise summary of each of the proposals, which were then
reviewed by the Board of Supervisors in January 2002. The platform adopted by the Board
included fifteen priorities, five of which were policy related and the other ten earmarks(see
Attachment 1). The policy positions addressed the issues of:
• Availability of affordable housing;
• Local match and cost benefit analysis for flood control projects;
• Disproportionate share hospital funding;
• Medicaid upper payment limit waivers and
• TANF reauthorization.
The ten priority areas for Congressional earmarks included a wide array of projects,ranging
from the Pleasant Hill BART Station Smart Growth Project to channel dredging to the
countywide radio communication system. The total desired funding for these earmarks was
approximately 35 million.
When we developed this extensive list, we knew that the number of earmark priorities and
their funding levels were much greater than we could expect to receive. As we were advised
by our federal lobbyist, it is reasonable to expect funding for two or threeprojects, each
within the$1 to$2 million range(except in years with major funding bills such as the
Omnibus Transportation Bill when expectations can be much higher). Strategically,
however, inclusion of more earmarks provided an opportunity to learn what"resonates"best
with our legislative delegation. In addition,the larger number of earmark priorities gave our
lobbyist greater flexibility in dealing with our delegation and the Congressional committees.
Finally, it was obvious that all the projects were important within their respective areas and it
was difficult to give a lesser priority to some.
Once the Board of Supervisors adopted the 2002 Federal Legislative Platform, staff
developed one page briefing papers on each of our earmark priorities(see Attachment 2).
The content and scope of the papers were developed in consultation with our federal lobbyist.
Paul Schlesinger also met with each of the subject area staff to ensure that the papers
included all the key points for advocacy and that he thoroughly understood the proposals.
Advocacy by the County's Federal Lobbyist
Over the course of the past year, Paul Schlesinger has actively represented the County's
interests in support of the County's Federal Legislative Platform; provided advice and
information on activities in Washington that affect the platform;and overall,strengthened
Contra Costa's visibility with our federal delegation and Congressional Committees.
Legislative EarmarkAclvacac
After the County finalized its legislative platform, Paul"shopped"our earmark requests with
our Congressional delegation to garner their active support. A few projects dropped out very
quickly, such as the Bay Trail expansion along the Carquinez Straits, due to our delegation's
need to limit the number of their earmark requests. Others received strong support and were
adopted as priorities by our Congressional delegation, including the North Richmond
circulation project,the flood control projects and our three channel dredging projects(see
Attachment 3).
As part of the process,Paul provided briefing materials for our delegation and helped
shepherd the adopted requests through the Congressional committees,ensuring that questions
were answered and issues resolved. Our three dredging projects did very well in both the
House and Senate: $8.12 million in the House and$5.15 million in the Senate,compared to
the President's budget proposal of$2.82 million. We were also able to secure language in
the Water Resources Development Act as reported from the Douse Committee(no Senate
action was taken)that allows the County to receive local match credit for expenditures on
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flood control projects prior to execution of the Project Cooperative Agreement with the
Army Corps of Engineers. This flexibility is necessary to leverage other funding and
minimize County costs.
In the case of dredging projects, Paul was instrumental in bringing Congressman Pete
Visclosky(ranking member of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee of the
House Appropriations Committee)to tour the Carquinez Straits and receive a briefing on
County's dredging projects. The event was a companion to a fundraiser sponsored by the
refineries(initiated by our lobbyist),which was the draw for the Congressman's visit. The
County's Water Agency has been working on engaging the refineries as more active
participants in advocating for dredging projects for some time. This was a very good first
step in that direction.
Legislative Policy Advo!2M
Through the course of the year,the Board of Supervisors adopted positions on specific
federal bills relating to both the County's legislative priorities and other issues of importance.
These included:
• HR 2953 —Medi-Care Coordinated Care
• HR 2349—National Housing Trust Fund
• S 1991 —National Defense Interstate Rail Act
• HR 2654—Transit Rail Accommodation Improvement and Needs Act for the 21
Century(TRAIN 21)
• S 1917—Federal Transportation Spending Levels
• HR.3694—Federal Transportation Spending Levels
• HR 2646 -Nutritional Assistance Program
• S 1571 —Nutritional Assistance Program
• SJR 36—Transportation Equity Act Funding
• HR 2144--Sudden Oak Death Syndrome Funding
• S 2535—California Wild Heritage Wilderness Act
For all of these bills, Paul Schlesinger acted as liaison with our Congressional delegation to
ensure that they were aware of and understood the County's position.
Can large policy issues of national significance,counties have little influence beyond their
own delegation. Contra Costa County is no exception. However,it is very important to keep
apprised of the status of national bills with significant local impact and to ensure that our
delegation understands Contra Costa's position and the local ramifications of the legislation.
As an example of policy updates, see Attachment 4 on the status of TANF reauthorization
and the child support penalties.
Regulatory and Administrative Aclvvccv
With Paul Schlesinger acting as the County's presence in Washington, D. C.,the County has
gained better access on administrative issues. For example,when the Housing Authority was
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faced with possible rejection of its state low-income tax credit application,for the DeAnza
Gardens affordable housing project due to HUD delays with the Disposition Agreement(re
the use of land),Paul contacted representatives of Congressman's George I Miller's office in
Washington, D. C. and HUD to ensure that the circumstances and concerns were properly
communicated. The end result was the Disposition Agreement was concluded in time and
the Housing Authority was awarded$25 million in tax credits,the highest award in the state.
Another example of work with regulatory agencies was with the Army Corps of Engineers
regarding Priority One status for our dredging projects. The regional Corps staff were
advising our staff to advocate for the status whereas the D. C.office and Congressional
committee staff were asserting that no such status was possible or ever granted. Paul was
able to communicate with both the local office and the Washington,D. C. office to clarify the
issue.
In yet another example, in the case of the Rodeo Marina Siltation Study,when it became
obvious that there would be no possibility of a Congressional earmark, Paul began talking
with the Army Corps of Engineers about including it in their list of administrative studies.
These conversations are ongoing.
Conssional Deadlock
The federal fiscal year(FFY)runs from October to October. The Federal Budget is
encapsulated into 13 appropriation bills,which are normally passed by Congress and signed
by the President by the end of September and no later than the middle of October. As of the
first of December,only two FFY 03 appropriation bills were adopted, PL 107-248 for
defense and PL 107-249 for military construction. Instead,Congress has passed several
continuing resolutions, which continue spending at FFY 02 levels. Currently, it is likely that
the House will pass another two continuing resolutions in January, one to the end of
February,the other to the end of September. The Senate would then act on the short term
continuing resolution, and possibly use the long term one to craft an omnibus appropriations
bill. This would allow the House and Senate to go to Conference on the budget.
One of the reasons for Congressional deadlock on the Federal Budget has been the Senate's
addition of about$10 billion to the President's budget request for discretionary spending.
With control of Congress now in the hands of Republicans,we are told that Congress is
likely to pass appropriation bills that will cumulatively fall within the President's budget of
$750.4 billion. This does not auger well for California earmarks, since California is deemed
a Democratic state that is not essential for the President's reelection. Projects related to
homeland security and defense, such as the County's radio communication and dredging
projects,may have the greatest probability of success.
On the positive side, Alcalde and Fay is a bipartisan firm and has good working relationships
with members on both sides of the aisle. Also,when Paul Schlesinger forwarded an article
about prospective federal action from The Washington Post(Attachment 5), he stated that
"needless to say,we will be redoubling our efforts to make sure that our earmarks are
protected."
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Strategy for 2003
2003 is shaping up as a carryover year from 2002, since we do not have resolution on any of
our issues, either earmarks or policy positions. Staff intends to recommend that the Board
adopt a 2003 Federal Legislative Platform with few modifications from 2002. The primary
change in focus for 2003 would be the TEA 21 —the Omnibus Transportation Bill. We will
be working closely with Public Warks and our federal lobbyist to ensure that our projects are
framed in such a way as to best meet committee project evaluation criteria..
In 2003, Congress will be deciding on major pieces of legislation, notably transportation and
welfare that will have major repercussions on local services and revenues. Other federal
actions, such as California Medicaid waiver, will also have a significant impact on County
operations.
In 2002, Contra Costa County joined the ether I I large, urban California counties by
establishing a presence in Washington, D. C. In these times of great uncertainty, both fiscal
and programmatic, it is more important than ever for the County to do its part in advocating
for the best interests of our citizens.
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ATTACHMENT 1
y f
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
2002 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
9. Avallabillty of Affordable Housing - Contra Costa County has a severe shortage
of affordable housing in both the rental and for-purchase markets. For some
working families, this has meant Increases in homelessness; for others lengthy
commutes that can lead to family dysfunction. For those struggling to graduate
from welfare to work, housing costs can be a formidable barrier. The County's
Community Development Department, Homeless Program and Housing Authority
are all active on this issue. However, increased federal appropriations and
flexibility in meeting program requirements would be very helpful to our efforts.
In the funding arena, the County will advocate for the County's McKinney Grant
submittal to HUD for the homeless program; support increased appropriations to
the Shelter Plus Care, single room occupancy and supportive housing
(permanent) programs of HUD; and support enhanced funding of the Home
Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community development Block
Grant program, the core entitlement programs for financing affordable housing.
In both these areas, either the overall entitlement grant components need
augmentation or Contra Costa needs specific earmarks that augment, not
reduce, entitlement funds. Specific project proposals include:
➢ Transitional/Permanent Housing for Homeless Families - $1 million to
support a proposed 25.30 unit project in West County;
➢ DeAnza Gardens Affordable Housing - $19 million of Federal Low-Income
Tax Credits (LITCs) as part of a pilot program creating'a new category of
LITCs for redevelopment of obsolete public housing projects.
➢ Pleasant Hill BART Station Smart Growth - $1 million to facilitate
construction of a mixed-use development at the Pleasant Hill BART
Station. This funding will support public Improvements that are essential to
attract the necessary private investment for this new transit-oriented
community.
Needed regulatory relief includes:
➢ flexibility in the Section 8 program In using funding for supportive services
such as training in finding housing, payment of damage deposits and
negotiating project-based master leases; and
➢ flexibility in use of HUD subsidies for public housing management,
including maintenance, security, capital improvements and social
programs.
2. Countywide Radio Communication System - Funding to develop a single radio
communication network serving all jurisdictions within the County. The current
County system does not communicate with Richmond's upgraded system and
inadequate capacity results in "waiting" for access to the system. Radio traffic is
currently two to three times the level recommended for law enforcement
agencies. In the event of a major disaster or terrorist event, current system
inadequacies would not allow agencies to communicate with one another via
radio.
3. Route 239 Interregional Corridor Study (Brentwood Tracy Expressway) - $1.5
million to identify the extent and nature of existing transportation problems,
explore various solutions, arrive at public consensus on a proposal and define a
project that would be eligible for funding under the State Interregional
Improvement Program. The Route 239 corridor has been identified as an
alternative corridor for major truck traffic, for linking the Bay Area and Central
Valley and a key element in attracting employment-generating development in
East County. It would also be very supportive of proposals to expand the Byron
Airport.
4. North Richmond Circulation Improvements- $1.5 million for planning, community
outreach and engineering for two projects in North Richmond: a pedestrian
overcrossing of two sets of railroad tracks and development of a new road
system that would provide truck access between businesses and the Richmond
Parkway. These projects would increase safety around the neighborhood
elementary school, increase livability of the neighborhood, improve local access
to the Wildcat Creek Regional Trail and stimulate economic development in the
industrial area of the community.
5. Flood Control Local Match and Cost Benerit Analyses - Currently, the County
does not receive local match credit for expenditures on flood control projects
prior to execution of the Project Cooperative Agreement with the Army Corps of
Engineers. Also, in performing its cost benefit analysis on projects, the Corps
does not use criteria which recognizes the ecological restoration, economic
development and social benefits of the projects. The County will seek legislative
remedy on both these issues to benefit the following flood' control projects:
Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase One, Section 1135 Project; Pinole Creek,
Section 1135 Project; Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase Two Project; Walnut
Creek Channel Project; and the Grayson Creek/Murderers Creek Project.
fi. Disproportionate Share hospital Funding -The Balanced Budget Act of 1997
mandated reductions in payments to the Medicaid Disproportionate Share
Hospitals (DSH) program over five years, with the largest reductions in the final
three years. Contra Costa County's net benefit from the program was reduced
from $13.8 million in 1998-99 to a projected $9.8 million in 2002-03. Loss of
DSH funding puts increased strain on Contra Costa's Health Services
Department, which is currently facing budget difficulties. [The County will support
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efforts of the California Association of Public Hospitals/HealthSystems and the
National Association of Public Hospitals to freeze or reverse the decline of
Medicaid DSH payments to safety net providers, as well as to advocate for a
successor funding program to DSH that recognizes the importance of clinic-
based care, rather than basing payments just on hospital inpatient days.]
7. Medicaid Upper Payment Limit - Under current federal regulation, Medicaid
payments to states can be 150% of Medicare expenditures. This is in recognition
of the higher costs of public hospitals and their significant role as safety net
providers to low income and vulnerable populations. A new draft rule from the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would reduce that upper
payment limit to 100% for public hospitals. For Contra Costa County, this would
mean a loss of $3 to $5 million annually. A revenue loss of this magnitude could
have serious consequences on the County's health care system. [The County will
support the California Association of Public Hospitals/Health Systems and the
National Association of Public Hospitals on this issue.]
8. Bay Trail Expansion Along Carquinez Scenic drive - $1 to $3 million to repair
slide damage and reconstruct the road to multi-use trail standards as part of the
Regional Say Trail. The project would access East Bay Regional Parks and
connect the communities of Martinez, Port Costa and Crockett for bicycle,
pedestrian and equestrian users as well as provide alternate emergency vehicle
and evacuation routes for these communities. A planning study is currently
underway which will evaluate roadway stability, identify stabilization alternatives
and identify path alignments. Since the Department of Defense has a defense
fuel support facility at Point azol, which is slated for closure, there is a possibility
of having the trail constructed as part of the closure plan.
9. Dredging of Suisun Bay Channel/New York Slough - $3.9 million for maintenance
dredging to the authorized depth of minus 35 feet. Continued maintenance is
essential for safe transport of crude oil and other bulk materials through the San
Francisco Bay, along the Carquinez Straits and into the Sacramento/San Joaquin
Delta. An oil tanker ran aground in early 2001 due to severe shoaling in a
section of this channel, exposing the straits to potential oil spills. This would be
an Amory Corps of Engineers project.
10. Dredging of Pinole Shoal - $4 million for maintenance dredging (includes
associated work at Mare Island) to the authorized depth of minus 35 feet.
Recent condition surveys have illustrated only 32 feet of usable water. The
Pinole Shoal channel is a major arterial for vessel transport' through the San
Francisco Bay region, serving oil refineries and bulk cargo which is transported
as far east as Stockton. Except for emergency dredging on sections in April
2001, the channel has not been dredged since the Mare island Naval Facility
closed several years ago. This would be an Army Corps of Engineers project.
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19. San Luis Drain - The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation is preparing an environmental
impact statement to evaluate options for providing drainage services for the west
side of the Sen Joaquin Valley. Drainage water from this area contains toxic
concentrations of selenium and other hazardous substances. San Luis Drain is
one of the options under study and would pass through Contra Costa County.
The County will oppose the San Luis Drain option and support instead drainage
solutions in the valley, such as reducing the volume of drainage of problem
water; managing/reusing within the district drainage area; retiring lands with
severe drainage impairment from willing sellers; and reclaiming/removing solid
salts through treatment, bird safe/bird free solar ponds and farm-based methods.
12. East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan - $2 million to fund the
development of habitat conservation plans and natural communities conservation
plans. Contra Costa's share would be used to address an 185,000-acre planning
area that includes all watersheds draining the eastern flanks of Mt. Diablo. This
proposal comes from a five-county coalition that also includes the Institute for
Ecological Health, the National Heritage Institute and Sierra Business Council.
The coalition's objective is to preserve native habitats, while at the same time
taking into account the needs for development and streamlined permitting and
review processes. [Placer County will be the lead advocate on this proposal.]
93. Rodeo Marina Siltation Study - $200,000 to investigate the cause of siltation at
the Rodeo Marina and to identify alternative remedies, their costs and
consequences. Rodeo Marina is a focal point of the Rodeo community, integral
to revitalization efforts. This may be an Army Corps of Engineers project if it is
determined that siltation was caused due to the Army Corps of Engineers placing
dredge materials from the Maryland Strait into the Carquinez Strait near the
marina.
14. TANF Authorization — In 2002, Congress will consider reauthorization of TANF
(Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), the federal guidelines under which
the State and the County implement welfare reform (CaIWORKs). The County's
position, developed in conjunction with Federation of Interfaith Coalition, includes
advocacy for:
continuing the current level of TANF funding and associated block grants;
➢ enhancing the flexibility of states to design welfare programs that meet the
Beds of specific types of populations, including the "hard to serve" and the
"working poor;"
➢ providing for critical support services, such as child care, transportation,
medical insurance and food stamps for both families on welfare and the
"working poor".
15. Additional Priorities - The Omnibus Transportation Bill will be considered by
Congress in 2003. Following development of project priorities by the Public
Works Department, the Boardwill adopt additional priorities in this area.
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ATTACYPYI NT 2
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CONTRA A. OST.A COUNTY w
Pleasant mill BART Station Smart Growth Project'
$1 pillion, VA-HUD Appropriations Bili µ
Economic Development Initiative
fuest; $1 million to facilitate construction of a mixed-use development at the
Pleasant Hill BART Station. This request will support public improvements early in the
development phase, without which it will be difficult to attract the necessary private
investment for this new transit-oriented community. The infill development, on property
awned by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District, will include low-income and market rate
housing; retail shopping; parks, plazas, public buildings and other public amenities, and
additional transitlmulti modal transportation facilities consistent with smart growth
principles.
Prole Benefits: Development of the BART property will transform this regional
transportation facility into a vibrant, complex center of neighborhood activity. Within the
Bay Area and throughout the United States, transit oriented development is viewed as a
smart growth response to a growing papulation and economy. The ability to deliver the
public improvements—parks, plazas, facilities--during the early phases of development
is critical to the creation of a transit-oriented community.
Federal support for the public elements would increase the economic viability of the
project, since the feasibility of private investments for the retail element, small shops,
restaurants, coffee houses, and services depend on the public spates and amenities
that will draw people into the area. The result would be a better mix of uses and
interesting experiences for nearby residents, commuters, and trail users. Overall, the
project will serve as a model of smart growth by encouraging compact, pedestrian-
oriented development in an infill setting around an existing transit center.
Background: The Pleasant Hill BART Station area is one of the few examples of
transit-oriented development that has been implemented along a suburban rail line. This
model of smart growth has generated jobs and housing in close proximity to public
transit: approximately 1.8 million square feet of officelcommercial space and 2,200
residential units within a quarter mile of the BART platform. A high level of transit
utilization has been achieved by both area employees and residents.
Despite this progress, the Pleasant Hill BART Station area lacks the amenities and
visual appeal that are the basis of a community. A vision of that community was
created in the Spring of 2001 using a collaborative public planning process called a
Charrette. The resulting plan envisions transforming the 18-acre Pleasant Hill BART
Station into a center for community activity, creating retail destinations; public parks and
squares, and public buildings whose possible uses include child care, cultural and
educational facilities, community theater, senior center, past office, meeting hall and/or
library. Architectural enhancements to 'BART station will integrate it into the new
neighborhood and a new parking garage will be "shielded" by residential units lining its
2/15/02
edges. Overall at least 274 more housing units will be created through the development
of for-sale townhouses and rental housing at market and affordable rates. Office space
will also be added, with the possibility for hotels and/or a business conference center.
The adjacent Iron Horse trail, a regional bicycle and hiking trail, and new BART bicycle
station will also encourage use of alternative transportation modes.
Prulect Partcloants: Contra Costa County and its Redevelopment Agency, BART, a
private developer, local residents, business and environmental leaders, activist groups
and area employees have all endorsed and participated in creating the vision for a new
neighborhood.
.2/15/02
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Transitional/Permanent dousing for
Homeless Families
$ 1 million, VA-HUD Appropriations Bili
Economic Development Initiative
Reauest: $1 million for 25-30 housing units (transitional and permanent) for homeless
families. Total project costs are estimated at $5 million, with $500,000 of HUD
McKinney grant monies already committed. Funding would be used for project
development and to leverage ether funding sources.
erol ct Benefits: The housing development would serve families from various shelter
programs where-they have begun to improve their family situation and need housing
with supportive services to stabilize these improvements and to transition to economic
self-sufficiency. Family income limits will be up to 30% of the median income for the
transitional units (half of the total units) and up to 50% for the permanent units.
In Contra Costa County, less than 20% of the rental mousing stack is affordable for
renter households earning under 50% of the area median income. The average rental
housing vacancy rate is under 3%. The waiting list is over 4,360 households for only
1,275 public housing units countywide. The situation is especially urgent for families
with children, the most rapidly growing segment of the homeless population.
B ickaround: The proposed project would provide 24-29 units of housing for homeless
families, 60% 2-bedroom and 40% 3-bedroom units (plus one 1-bedroom manager's
unit). The project will be located in the City of Richmond, convenient to public transit
(BART and bus), educational, city and social services and job training facilities. The
selected site will require lot consolidation, General Plan amendments and/or rezoning.
The project will draw upon a variety of financing mechanisms, such as tax credits,
Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG), State Multifamily Housing Program, Federal Home Loan Bank, project
based Section 8 vouchers, Shelter Plus Care subsidies and other sources. The current
$500,000 HUD McKinney grant requires project site control by the County no later than
November 2002, which increases the pressure to quickly secure additional financing
support for the project.
Pr+-i, act Particloynt. City of Richmond, Contra Costa County, West County Homeless
Task Ford and Rubicon, a community-based organization.
2/15/02
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Cis Anza Gardens Affordable Housing _.
$19 Million
Request: $19 million of Federal Low-income Tax Credits (LITCs) for the De Anza
Gardens Affordable Housing Development as part of a pilot program creating a new
category of LITCs for the redevelopment of obsolete public housing projects.
Prolect Benefits: The De Anza Gardens Affordable Housing Development supports
multiple public policy goals:
➢ eradicates an obsolete public housing project,
➢ more than doubles the number of affordable housing units for working families at
the site,
➢ provides a safer social environment than currently exists in the public housing
project by broadening the income range of residents; and
➢ stimulates private investment in this low-income redevelopmentarea.
Background: Public housing authorities are charged with either redeveloping or
disposing of obsolete public housing. Yet the financial feasibility of redevelopment is
problematic in many instances, absent the availability of LITCs. In California, the State
Tax Credit Allocation Committee allocates the LITCs on a highly competitive basis, and
housing authorities must compete with many other, better financed affordable housing
developers.
The Los Medanos Pueblo Public Housing Project is an excellent candidate for
redevelopment. Built in 1942, it consists of 86 obsolete apartment units in the
unincorporated community of Bay Point. The 14-acre site is currently zoned for up to
185 units.
The proposed $31 million De Anza gardens Housing Development will consist of 180
apartment units ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, priced to be affordable for
families earning between 30% - 50% of median county income. The current residents
of the public housing project will be given the choice of relocating to other public
housing projects or to other apartments, including those in the new development, with
Section 8 relocation vouchers.
Prolect Particlnants: The Housing Authority of Contra Costa County; De Anza
Housing Corporation, a community based California Non-profit Corporation; and De
Anza gardens, a California Limited Partnership with support from the Bay Point
Municipal Advisory Council, the County Board of Supervisors and the tenants of the
existing public housing project.
2/15/02
CONTRA COSTA COUNT �•� �
Countywide Radio Communications System'
$2.7 Million Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Bill
Department of Justice
Law Enforcement Technology Program
Request: $2.7 million to double the voice and data capacity of the existing microwave
system that is near maximum capacity. This microwave equipment is the backbone of a
new countywide radio communications system to support public safety, which will link
the County Sheriffs Office, 19 cities and their police departments, eight fire districts, two
water districts, numerous emergency medical teams, the California Highway Patrol, the
Office of Emergency Services and the County's hazardous materials program.
Protoot Benefits. In the event of a major disaster or terrorist event, public safety
agencies in Contra Costa County cannot communicate with one another via radio. In
certain areas of the County, there is no reception whatsoever. Radio traffic is currently
two to three times the level recommended for law enforcement agencies, and the
system cannot handle additional channels. The Countywide Radio Communication
System will rectify that vulnerability, creating a single network with adequate capacity to
meet both current and future needs.
The microwave equipment enhancements will help address coverage, inter-operability
and interference problems with the existing County system; fund a critical piece of the
new countywide radio communication system and demonstrate federal support for this
massive undertaking. It will also give the County the ability to transport ever
increasingly critical voice and data circuits over secure non-commercial communication
paths. In the event of a major disaster or terrorist attack, commercial networks are
susceptible to interruption of service. The County would use its facilities to transport
critical voice and data, while leaving the existing commercial circuits as a redundant
parallel backup system.
Background: The public safety radio communication system in Contra Costa County is
both antiquated and fragmented. Over 30 systems currently operate within the County,
most of which cannot communicate with one another. The Sheriff's system, which
responds to about 50% of the entire County's 911 calls, was built in 19W and has had
few upgrades since. The system is deficient in the areas of
➢ channel loading — Current channels have up to 70 units on them vs the industry
standard of 35 to 40, resulting in congestion.
➢ coverage - Reception is nonexistent in many areas and commonly poor in others.
➢ interoperability - The current system is a single radio channel which allows only
one agency to talk with one other agency. If a HAMAT officer, deputy sheriff
3/4/02
and consolidated firefighter arrived at an incident at the same time, dynamic
dialogue would be impossible.
➢ outside interference — Because so many surrounding agencies use the same
frequency, interference is common.
➢ microwave capacity will be added at 9 key sites.
A comprehensive "design/build" study of the new system is currently underway.
Estimated at $40-69 million, the project will require the sustained commitment of public
agencies throughout the County as well as the state and federal governments.
Acquisition of microwave equipment will provide the critical backbone to the new
communications system, transporting the voice and data circuits that link public safety
agencies. It will also be a visible enhancement to the new system, and a stimulus for
support.
Project Particlaants. Contra Costa County, the California Highway Patrol, Cities of
Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, EI Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette,
Martinez, Moraga, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San
Pablo, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, San Ramon Valley Fire District, Oakley Fire
District, Contra Costa Consolidated Fire District, El Cerrito Fire District, Richmond Fire
District, Rodeo-Hercules Fire District, Contra Costa Water District and East Bay
Municipal Utility District.
3/4/02
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
North Richmond Circulation Projects
$1.5 Million Transportation Appropriations Bill
Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program
Reauest: $1.5 Million to develop a preferred alignment/designand to achieve
environmental clearance for two circulation projects in the North Richmond community:
1) street extensions to divert truck traffic from residential areas and 2) a pedestrian/
bicycle crossing over two sets of railroad tracks
Prolect Bene#its: The North Richmond Circulation Projects will have multiple benefits
for the low-income minority community of North Richmond:
➢ stimulate economic development in the industrial area by providing a more direct
connection to the regional highway network;
➢ improve safety by removing truck traffic from a residential neighborhood and
elementary school area;
➢ reduce hazards associated with pedestrians and bicycles crossing at-grade
railroad tracks.
Background: North Richmond is an unincorporated area of about 4,000 residents,
98% are identified as minorities. It is one of the most blighted communities in the Bay
Area. The adult unemployment rate is 29% and half of its residents live below the
poverty level. Over 50% of the families receive public assistance. Verde Elementary
School in North Richmond is the lowest performing school in the State of California.
North Richmond is bordered on one side by the Richmond Parkway, a limited access
expressway, and on the other side by two sets of railroad tracks. Industrial
development borders the railroad tracks and trucks frequently pass through the North
Richmond residential neighborhood in order to reach the Richmond Parkway, and
connect with Interstate 80 or Interstate 580. Extending three dead end streets would
eliminate this neighborhood truck traffic.
The second project is a pedestdanlbicycle crossing over the two sets of high-traffic
railroad tracks that separate North Richmond from the nearest shopping/services area.
The overcrossing will 'provide residents, many of who do not own cars, with safe, easy
access to nearby goods and services, thereby increasing mobility.
Prolect PsrtIMPAntslStakeholders: Contra Costa County, Contra Costa Flood
Control District, City of Richmond, City of San Pablo, East Bay Regional Park District,
Union Pacific Railroad, Burlington Northem-Santa Fe Railway, AC Transit (local bus
agency), North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council and the North Richmond Task
Force/Federal Regional Council.
311}02
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Brentwood-Tracy Expressway w °�
$1.5 Million
Request: $1.5 million to develop a preferred alignment and obtain environmental
clearance for the Brentwood-Tracy Expressway, to the point that the project would be
eligible for funding under the California State Enter-Regional Improvement Program.
Proiect Benefits: The Brentwood-Tracy Expressway would benefit both the region as
a whole and the residents and businesses of East Contra Costa County.
➢ needed truck route between the Bay Area and the Central Valley;
➢ stimulating job development in East County, to alleviate the severe job/housing
unbalance,
➢ removes long-distance truck traffic from local communities;
➢ needed transportation infrastructure improvement for the proposed Byron Airport
expansion.
Back-gra
und The Brentwood-Tracy Expressway is an unconstructed limited-access
state route that would connect State Route 4 near the City of Brentwood to 1-205/1-5
near the City of Tracy. The project is supported by the California Department of
Transportation and is included in long-range plans developed by the metropolitan
planning organizations for the San Francisco Bay Area and San Joaquin County, but
funds have not been available for the necessary planning and alignment studies. These
studies are a precursor to state funding under the California State Inter-Regional
Improvement program.
Eastern Contra Costa County has been among the state's fastest-growing residential
areas over the past decade but experienced little job growth due largely to an
inadequate highway system. The project would address this deficiency and stimulate
job development in eastern Contra Costa County, helping to reduce commute lengths.
The Expressway would also absorb truck traffic between the Central Valley and Contra
Costa County. Trucks now use an existing two-lane rural road, which impacts local
communities. The Expressway would also handle increases in truck traffic anticipated
as part of the proposed expansion of Byron Airport.
Proiect Patrticia"n : Contra Costa County, San Joaquin County, Metropolitan
Transportation Commission and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority with support
from California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), TRANSPLAN Committee
(eastern Contra Costa County), City of Brentwood, City of Tracy, San .Joaquin Council
of Governments, Byron Municipal Advisory Council, Discovery Bay Municipal Advisory
Council and private property owners in the project area.
12/B/02
CONTRA COSTA COUNT'
Flood Control Project Analysis and Criteria
i
Request: Recognizing the desirability of flood control projects that leave creeks in
their natural state and the need to move forward on projects prior to execution of project
cooperative agreements with the Army Corps of Engineers, authorize:
➢ cost benefit analysis — consider national economic development, national
ecological restoration and social benefits in the analysis of the Wildcat/San Pablo
Creek Phase 1, Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase Il, and Pinole Creek projects;
➢ local match — credit the nonfederal sponsor for valid expenditures during the
collaborative planning process prior to execution of the project cooperative
agreement for the Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase Ii, Walnut Creek Channel and
Grayson Creek/Murderers Creek projects.
Project Benefits: These flood control projects improve flood protection in densely
populated areas, while leaving the creeks in the natural state, thus
✓ providing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife;
✓ increasing neighborhood livability;
✓ allowing for linkages with recreational and park land.
Crediting local expenditures before execution of the project cooperative agreement
allows for acceleration of important project components and leverages other funding
sources, for example:
✓ restoration of the 120 acre mitigation site for the Walnut Creek Channel Project
may receive state grant funding;
✓ detention basin portion of the Grayson Creek Project could be built as part of a
city park project.
Background: Congress funded three Army Corps of Engineers flood control projects
in Contra Costa County in the FFY01-02 Budget:
➢ Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase H -
The Federal Emergency Management Agency {FEMA} recently issued
preliminary updated floodplain maps in the City of San Pablo. These new maps
add approximately 1,200 homes to the 100-year floodplain. Those properties will
now have to buy flood insurance, which will have a tremendous impact upon the
residents in the City. The project for Wildcat Creek and San Pablo Creek was
recently re-authorized for five years. The original designs for the creeks were
conventional and traditional designs that were not supported by the City. The
City would like to keep the creeks in a natural state. The Army Corps of
Engineers will re-evaluate the original design to provide alternative, more
environmental sound solutions that will keep the creeks in a natural state. A re-
2/22/02
evaluation of the original plan is necessary prior to committing to the Feasibility
Phase of the project, which would be the next step. In addition, there is a
Watershed Council active in this watershed that has been in dace for 15 years
and is coordinating the community outreach efforts.
➢ Walnut Creek Channel —
Ongoing changes to the regulatory agency policies and new listing of
endangered species have affected the Flood Control District'sability to operate
and maintain portions of the Walnut Creek Channel in a traditional manner. The
channel has silted in over the last several years, reducing its flood protection
capacity. The traditional approach of providing capacity in the channel is to desilt
the channel. Our alternative approach is to move the channel levee back and
provide additional capacity for floodwaters through the creation of floodplains.
This type of approach will provide the necessary capacity for flooding while at the
same time create additional wetland and riparian habitat Fish passage up the
creek is currently blocked by a concrete drop structure about one-half mile
upstream of the mouth of the Walnut Creek channel. The project will also look at
the feasibility of building step pools to allow fish to migrate past the drop
structure. The Army Corps of Engineers now has a $250,000 appropriation to
conduct a reevaluation and determine the feasibility of the proposed
alternatives. This project will truly provide the balance between the infrastructure
needs of the communities in the watershed and the needs of the environment by
restoring the creek and enhancing habitat value.
➢ Grayson Creek/Murderers Creek -
Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued
preliminary updated floodplain maps for many areas of Contra Costa County.
The communities of Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek had significant changes to
the flood hazard zones with approximately 1,800 properties added to the 100-
year floodplain. These properties will now have to buy flood insurance, which will
have a tremendous impact upon the residents in the two Cities. A task force
consisting of the two Cities, County, Flood Control district, and other
stakeholders has been working on this project for over a year. The Army Corps
of Engineers will re-evaluate a previous study done in 1992 to provide a higher
level of much-needed flood protection improvements in the area. The creeks will
be left in a natural state, and flood protection options that will be considered
include a series of bypass pipes and detention basins. One of the potential sites
for the detention basin could also be used as a city park.
Appropriations were also made for two Section 1135 projects:
Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase l —
The downstream reaches of Wildcat and San Pablo Creeks were improved and
restored in the early 1980s, helping to increase the riparian and wildlife habitat in
the area. This project will help to ensure progress on restoration efforts in these
reaches of the creeks. One primary element of the project is increasing fish
habitat and improving fish passage in the creeks.
2/22/02
> Pinole Creek-
ln the 1960s, the Pinole Creek flood control channel was designed and
constructed to provide an adequate level of flood protection while helping to
control erosion of the creek. Since the construction of the channel and further
improvements, native habitat for the area has almost completely disappeared.
This restoration project for Pinole Creek, between Interstate 80 and San Pablo
Bay, will create several erosion containment facilities as well as providing habitat
for a variety of wildlife and providing recreational opportunities and facilities for
students to learn about the natural environment.
Protect Participants/Stakeholders. Army Corps of Engineers, Contra Costa County
Flood Control District, and Cities of San Pablo, Pleasant Mill, and Walnut Creek
Legislative Language:e: Suggested wording for authorization of Contra Costa County's
flood control project cost benefit analysis and local match request:
1. Wildcat/San Pablo Creek Phase One, Section 1135 Project.,The Secretary of the
Army authorizes the San Francisco District to credit the non-federal sponsor of the
Section 1135 Restoration Project on Wildcat/San Pablo Creeks for all valid
expenditures, as determined by the District, before the Project Cooperative
Agreement is executed.
2. Pinole Creek, Section 1935 Project., The Secretary of the Army authorizes the San
Francisco District to credit the non-federal sponsor of the Section1135 restoration
project on Pinole Creek for all valid expenditures, as determined by the District,
before the Project Cooperative Agreement is executed.
3. WildcatlSan Pablo Creek Phase Two Project. The Secretary of the Array
authorizes the San Francisco District to fully consider the National Economic
Development, the National Ecological Restoration and Social Benefits in the
planning of the Wildcat/San Pablo Creek project, and authorizes the San Francisco
District to credit the non-federal sponsor of the project for all valid expenditures
during the collaborative planning process, as determined by the District, before the
Project Cooperative Agreement is executed.
4. Walnut Greek Channel Project: The Secretary of the Army authorizes the
Sacramento District to fully consider the National Economic Development, the
National Ecological Restoration and Social Benefits in the planning of the Walnut
Creek channel project, and authorizes the Sacramento District to credit the non-
federal sponsor of the project for all valid expenditures during the collaborative
planning process, as determined by the District, before the Project Cooperative
Agreement is executed.
2/22102
5. Grayson CreeklMurderer's Creek Project: The Secretary of the Army authorizes
the Sacramento district to fully consider the National EconomicDevelopment, the
National Ecological Restoration and Social Benefits in the planning of the Grayson
Creek/Murderer's Creek project, and authorizes the Sacramento District to credit the
non-federal sponsor of the project for all valid expenditures during the collaborative
planning process, as determined by the District, before the Project Cooperative
Agreement is executed.
2/22/02
CONTRA A C O TA COUNTY
Carquinez Scenic Drive Bay Trail Segment
s
13e. u s, $1..3 million to renovate Carquinez Scenic Drive as part of San Francisco Regional
Bay Trail. Carquinez Scenic Drive was closed due to stability problems in 1982. Funds are
needed to repair the slide damage and restore the pavement as part of a pending agreement
with the East Bay Regional Park District to tape over the road as part of the Bay Trail. The
Department of Defense has a Defense Fuel Support Facility at Point Oxol on the Carquinez
Shoreline that is slated for closure. We would like to explore the possibility of having the trail
constructed as part of the closure plan.
Bagkgrgund; Carquinez Scenic Drive is a county road along the Carquinez Straits Shoreline
between Martinez and Crockett in Contra Costa County. A large slide occurred on the road in
1982 closing the road between Martinez and Part Costa. The estimate to repair the slide and
restore the road exceeded available funding. Therefore, because of the low vehicle use and
adequate alternative routes, the road has remained closed. However, it is heavily used as an
informal trail by pedestrians and bicyclists and is designated to be the segment of the San
Francisco Regional Bay Trail in this area. Contra Costa County and the East Bay Regional
Park District have been working together to find funding to repair the slides and reconstruct the
road to a multiuse trail standard.
Currently, Contra Costa County has a $75,000 planning grant from the San Francisco Bay
Trail Project - regional Development Program administered by the Association of Bay Area
Governments (ABAG). The objective is to open a Class 'I bicycle path between Martinez and
Port Costa along the Carquinez Scenic Drive right of way or a close parallel route. The grant
funds will be used for a geotechnical study to evaluate the roadway stability and recommend
alternatives to stabilize the earth slides as well as cost estimates for the proposed fixes, and a
route alternative study to evaluate path alignments other than along existing Carquinez Scenic
Drive. Geotechnical work and route alternative studies should be completed by October 2002.
However, funding for project construction has not been identified.
P'rolect Benefits: The East Bay Regional Park District has purchased considerable land
along the Carquinez Strait Shoreline and has plans for further acquisition'that will connect the
Shoreline Park with other parkland in the Mardnez/Briones and Crockett/Rodeo areas. The
completed Say Trail segment along the Carquinez Shoreline will be of great benefit to the
residents of the Bay Area as it will provide access to East Bay Regional Parks, a connection
between the communities of Martinez, Pork Costa and Crockett for bicycle, pedestrian and
equestrian users and alternate emergency vehicle and evacuation routes for the three
communities along the shoreline.
Prolegl Panic its. Department of Defense, Contra Costa County, East Bay Regional Park
District and Association of Bay Area Governments
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
d
Suisun Bary Channel/New York Slough dredging
$6.5 Million, Energy and Water Appropriations Bili
Operations & Maintenance
Request. $ 6.5 million for annual maintenance dredging of the Suisun Bay Channel as
part of the Army Corps of Engineers federal FY 2003 budget, an increase from the
Administration budget request of$2.815 million.
Prollect Benefits: Continued maintenance of the Suisun Bay Channel and New York
Slough Channel to authorized depth of minus 35 feet is essential to the continued safe
transport of crude oil and other bulk materials through San Francisco Bay, along the
Carquinez Strait, and into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Maintenance of these
channel sections benefits a great number of industries, including several oil refineries
and the Port of Stockton.
Backaround: Due to severe shoaling in a section of this channel, an oil tanker ran
aground in early 2001. The potential for an oil spill is significant when a grounding
occurs. Annual dredging is necessary to prevent another grounding.
Costs for maintenance dredging of this channel are substantial, due to requirements for
dredged material to be placed in upland environments. Sediments have been and will
continue to be used for levee restoration activities in the Delta, and for wetlands
restoration projects. Industry, through the County as the local project's sponsor, funds
the requisite local match for disposal costs through a Maintenance Assessment District.
Only $1.6 million for annual maintenance dredging was allocated in the FY 2002
Federal Civil Works Budget. Because of upland disposal requirements, $1.6 million is
not sufficient for maintenance dredging of these channel sections. The County is
currently working with the Army Corps, EPA, Bay Conservation and Development
Commission and other regulatory agencies for a one-time exemption to the upland
dredging requirement for this year's dredging; however, without full funding, the channel
is at risk of further oil tanker groundings.
Protect Participants: The Army Corps of Engineers, with support from Contra Costa
County, U.S. Coast ward, the Bar Pilots, Port of Stockton and local industries.
311/02
w +
CONTRA COSTA COUNTS y� .
PinoleShoal Maintenance Dredging
$4 Million, Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
Operations& Maintenance
Rem $4 million for maintenance dredging of Pinole ShoalChannel, San
Pablo Bay in California by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Pmloct El#rtetilts.
Maintenance dredging of Pinole Shoal Channel to its authorized depth is
essential to the continued safe transport of crude oil to five refineries located in
the east bay area, as well as a high volume of bulb cargo transported through the
Delta as far east as Stockton. This channel, located in San Pablo Bay, is a major
arterial for vessel transport through the San Francisco Bay region.
S kayo Until the closure of Mare Island Naval Base several years ago,
the Pinole Shoal Channel was regularly dredged. Since then, it has been
neglected. The only recent dredging was an emergency dredging of sections of
the Pinole Shoal Channel by the Army Corps of Engineers (under contract) in
April 2001. At that time, the Bar Pilots and industries using the channel
requested County involvement, citing condition surveys which illustrated only 32
feet of usable water in a project authorized to minus 35 feet. The County then
requested a $2 million addition to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M)
Federal Fiscal Year 2002 Civil Works Budget, which was not funded, for the
Pinole Shoal dredging.
project ParLlctvarnts. The Army Corps of Engineers with support from Contra
Costa County, U.S. Coast Guard, the Bar Pilots, Port of Stockton and local
industries.
3/1/tit
4
CONTRA COST. COUNTY
s s
San Francisca To Stockton OF Baldwins
Ship Channel Deepening
$2.3 Million, Energy&Water Appropriations, Construction
General(Continuing)
ftauggt: $2 million to complete the General Reevaluation Report (GRR) and to
construct the Turning Basin at Avon, California and $300,000 to study salinity effects of
deepening of the Baldwin Ship Channel from one to four feet.
Project Benefits. The Avon Turning Basin will provide necessary modification to the
Suisun Bay Channel to: 1) increase the distance between vessels traveling within the
channel, and those berthed at terminals in the vicinity! 2) allow oil tanker vessels to turn
within (regularly surveyed and expanded) navigational boundaries, with a uniform depth
of—35 feet of water (rather than attempting to turn in shallower areas), and 3) provide
an emergency anchorage for vessels traveling westward when the railroad bridge
(adjacent to HWY 580 between Martinez and Benicia) fails to open.
The salinity study will allow evaluation of a deepening project from 1 to 4 feet, rather
that the previously authorized deepening of 10 feet, to ensure that the project is as
environmentally "friendly" as possible.
Background: The recent grounding of the oil tanker Chesapeake Trader during turning
operations in the Suisun Bay Channel has drawn attention to the urgency for
construction of a turning basin at —35 feet MLLW. The potential for an oil spill during a
grounding event is significant. The Bar Pilot in question was cited (end suspended in
part) for having the vessel outside channel boundaries, creating a liability issue for the
Pilots as well. At this time, the Bar Pilots have no choice but to turn large vessels
outside this narrow, linear channel.
The Bar Pilots and local industry approached the County, concerned that a turning
basin was no longer being considered as part of the JF Baldwin deepening project.
$250,000 in funding was successfully obtained in both FY 2001 and FY 2002, allowing
the Corps to begin reevaluation of the Turning Basin to --35 feet, the existing Channel
depth. The FY 2003 appropriation would enable the Reevaluation Report to be
completed, and construction to occur. In addition, $300,000 is requested to enable the
Army Corps of Engineers to review and study salinity impacts of deepening 1 to 4 feet,
rather than the previously contemplated 10 foot deepening project.
Project Partners: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with support from the San Francisco
Bar Pilots, the U.S. Coast Guard, the many industries using the channels, the Port of
Stockton, and Contra Costa County.
3/1/02
• j Ijr � � Nr �
CONTRA COSTA COUNTS
r
Rodeo Marina Siltation Study
$200,000 Army Corps of Engineers
General Investigation
Reauest: $200,000 to assist in financing a study of siltation at the Rodeo
Marina. The Marina has been silting in for many years, although the cause
remains uncertain. Possibilities include:
➢ Army Corps of Engineer's dredged material deposits
➢ Excessive runoff from Rodeo Creek
➢ Ineffective Marina Levy construction
➢ Natural water flow
The study will identify the cause of the siltation and appropriate solution(s) to the
increased siltation such as periodic dredging, reconstruction of the Marina levies
and/or alternate placement of dredged material.
Prosect Benefits: Throughout various planning processes, the waterfront and
the Marina have been identified as key components to the revitalization of the
Rodeo community. Waterfront and marina restoration will have substantial
environmental and economic development benefits for Rodeo:
✓ case study in sustainable development by incorporating economic
interests, environmental interests, and social equity into the project;
✓ meets many New Urbanism goals, as it is a Brownfield site with great
potential for'infill development, and
✓ access to rail and the water provides opportunities to link to public transit
via rail or ferry, not to mention existing and proposed transit fines.
ftackkq oun+d: Rodeo, an unincorporated community of 9,000, is located on the
San Pablo Bay and at the foot of the Carquinez Strait. Approximately 43% of the
households are low income (under 80% of median income, per HUD, 1900
census data).
The waterfront is a focal point of Rodeo. It is held by three primary interests:
Joseph's Fishing Resort, East Bay Regional Parks and Bennett's Marina. The
Waterfront and the Marina are also a point of pride for the community. In the
1980rs, the waterfront was renowned for its sports fishing industry. It is said that
when the marina began to fade due to the excessive siltation, so did Rodeo.
According to the Long Term Management Study (LTMS) for the Placement of
Dredged Material in the San Francisco Bay Region, the Army Corps of Engineers
and their contractors placed an estimated 23,450,000 cubic yards of dredged
materials ® mostly from the Mare Island Strait ® into the Carquinez Strait near
3/1/02
Bennett's Marina between 1975 and 1894 (see attached map). It believed that
the siltation of the Marina may be a result of the disposal fo the dredged material
at the Carquinez disposal locations. Water depth has declined one to three feet
(see chart of Bathymetric changes, 1955-1990), a significant decline because the
Bay itself is so shallow along that shoreline.
The Contra Costa County Redevelopment Agency has been working in Rodeo
for about a decade in an effort to revitalize the community. The farina property
has been identified as a key component to that effort. However, lack of
understanding as to the increasing amount of siltation at the Marina remains the
major barrier to economic development and appropriate environmental
restoration of the site.
Prolect Par—Oclnar ts: Army Corp of Engineers (NOTE, the Carps have not
been consulted — should they be deleted?), Contra Costa County and East
Bay Regional Park District, with support from the Rodeo Municipal Advisory
Committee.
311/02
0/202002 13:41 FAX 20222 CDO 0003
' ATTACHMENT 3
(EvnUress of t#e 31niteb Otaties
Iffas4inota ll, Wc �» >
March 22,2002
Hon. Sonny Callahan Hon.Peter J. 'Visclosky
Chaixxrman Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Energy and'W'ater Subcommittee on Energyand Water
Development Development
2362 Rayburn HOB 1015 Longworth 1Io se Office Building
`Washington,DC 20515 Washington,DC 205.15
Dear Chairman Callahan and Ranking Member
We appreciate the support your subcommittee has provided to constituents in our districts over
the years. As you are aware, our districts arc part of the San Francisco Hay to Stockton energy
transportation corridor which host frequent oil tanker traffic. The four requests we are
supporting would fund necessary maintenance dredging for part of the channel and develop a
ship turning basin to improve the overall safety of tanker traffic through this narrow and
congested transport corridor. Your committee generously provided funding for three of these
requests last year. Your assistance in funding these priorities enhances our economy by
improving the movement of goods through the region and protects our fragile'coastline from oil
spills caused by ship groundings. Jointly we are requesting the following:
• Suisun Bay Charnel/New York Slough Dredging,$6.5 Million
San Pablo Bay/Pinole Shoal Maintenance Dredging,$3.9 Million
Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel,$500,000
San Francisco to Stockton(JF Baldwin) Channel Deepening and Avon Turning Basin
Construction.; $2.3 Million
First,we seek hall funding for maintenance dredging of the Suisun Bay Channel and New
'York-Slbugb.,critical portions of the JF Baldwin Shipping Channel. Yvux committee generously
provided SI'65 million iri'FY'02 to partially fund-dredging'activities'in-the Sl idsdnBarypazticrn of
th a channcl. New York Slough has not been dredged since January of 2000. Our request for
FY03 reflects the increased cost of new requirements to dispose of dredged material in upland
environments. The dredged material is used for levee restoration in the Bay-Delta area and for
wetlands restoration throughout the region.,' Through Contra Costa.County's sponsorship,local
refineries and other industries provide part of the requisite local cost-sharing requirements. The
President's budget included a request for maintenance dredging for Suisun Bay Channel.
Second,we support$3.9 million in funding for the maintenance dredging of San Paulo
Bay/Pinole Shoals. Adjacent to the Suisun Bay Channel, San Pablo Bay/Pinola Shoals is a.
PAINTID ON RICYCIID PAPIR
63/28/'2002 13:41 FAX 2022255600 Bess George Miller + CDo Q004
major artery for bulk cargo and oil tankers through the San Francisco Say area. Ships Passing
through this area can continue up the Carquinez Strait or travel north on the Napa River. Prior to
the closing of Marc Island Naval SWpyard, the Navy provided the necessary annual dredging for
this pardon of-the ship transportation.corridor_ However,the only recent dredging was
emergency dredging of portions of this area by the Army Corps in April of 2001.
Both maintenances dredging requests are supported by the San Francisco Bar Pilots,the United
States Coast Guard, Contra Costa County,the Fart of Stockton and numerous privates companies
that rely on the channel.
Third,we are seeking your support for appropriations for the Sacramento River-Deep'Water
Ship Channel totaling,$500,000 to complete the environmental analysis and update costs of this
project. This section of the channel connects to New York Slough on the west and extends to the
Port of'Sacramento on,the eastern side. The project has been dormant for nearly ten years due to
the financial inability of the Port of Sacrarnernto to cost share project casts.The major features of
the:project are essentially unchanged from approved documents.The Port 2f5===1Q now has
's i ab es i crow account with the Co s ofE
fiat-IQ c± r tzz_rue. Once the necessary environmental documentation is completed d and,the
local cast-share is matched,the Anny Carps will be ready to undertake the necessary dredging to
ensrsrer that this section of the channel is of equal depth to connecting portions. Your committee
generously provided$300,000 for this project in FY'02.
Finally,we seek a$2.3 million appropriations for San Francisco to Stockton(JP`Baldwin)
Ship Channel Deepening and Avon Turning Basin Construction. This funding will complete
the General Reevaluation Report(GRR) and construction of a turning basin at Avon,California.
as part of Phase Three:of the San Francisco Bay to Stockton improvements. Your committee
provided 5250,000 for this project last year which was snatched by local refineries through a
partnership with Contra Costa County. The$2.3 million request:includes$300,000 to study the
salinity effects of deepening the 1F Baldwin Ship Channel from one to four feet,which is
necessary to ensure that any deepening will not compromise water quality in the area.
The construction of a ship turning basin at Avon,California providers several safety and
environmental benefits to the Baldwin Shipping Channel. First,a turning basin at this location
will increasethe,distance.between vessels traveling witbin.the channel and those vessels berthed
at terminals along.the trauspottation torr ar: ;Second,,by providing a unif depth of-35 feet
Will allow oil tanker vessels to turn within navigational boundaries rather than in shallower areas
where the risk of grounding its greater. Finally,the turning basin provides emergency anchorage
for vessels traveling seaward when the nearby railroad bridge fails to close. The failure of this
bridge to close resulted in a ship grounding in 1999.
Thank YOU very much for your past support of our constituent's energy and watrx development
needs and,in advance, for your attention to these important requests. Pleases feel free to contact
Amelia lonkins in Rep.Miller's or Jason Larrabese in Rep. Ose's office with any questions you
might have.
._.._... _.._... ._.
_. ........ ........ ............................. ....... .. ..... . ....
6J126t11002 13:41 PAZ 2022255609 Resp George biller + CDU 11005
ti
Sincemly,
Miller,M.C. Richard Pombo,M.C_
7a District,California 11th District, California
400i
Ellen 0.Tauscher,M.C. Doug bsc M.C.
I OO District,Califonxia. P District,California
O
Mike Thompson,M.C. Nary Pelosii,M.C.
I'District, California 8�'I)'strict, California
v✓
0-�.26,!,r 002 13:41 FAX 2022255609 Rep George Miller CDO Q006
lanareas of t#rnitt eb otates
March 22,2002
Hon. Sonny Callahan ?cion. peter J. Visclosky
Chain= Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Energy and Water Subcommittee on Ent-gy and'Water
Development Development
2362 Rayburn HOB 1016 Longworth House Office Building
Washington,DC 20515 Washington,DC 20515
Dear Chairman Callahan and eking Member Visclosky:
We appreciate the support your subcommittee has provided to constituents in our districts over
the years. As you are aware, our districts border the San Francisco Bay and are at the mouth of
the San Francisco Bay Delta,which serves as the hub of water development and transportation in
California.
This year, we respectfully request that tho subcommittee on Energy and Water Development
support two flood control projects included in the Army Corps of Engineers F'Y03 budget. We
have also joined with other Bay.Area colleagues to jointly request four Army Corps of Engineers
projects related to the San Francisco to Stockton ship chapel. The two flood control projects in
Contra Costa County are described bellow,
• Wildcat and San Pablo Creep, 550,000
Grayson Creek/Murderers Creek,$200,000
On behalf of Contra Costa County and the City of San Pablo,we support the Corps of
Engineers FY 03 Budget request of$50,000 for Wildcat and San Pablo Creeps. nese
.'er+el ,extexu*=,the,City,af°San Pablo to the San Francisco Bay. Tn FY02,your subcommittee
provadcd a generous'allocationof 1'tll3;000 jr;a'G= lIn*cst g�i+M:Study`for? e1' Of
this project. Recently,the Federal Emergency Management Administration(FEMA.)updated the
floodpla rt maps for the City of San Pablo which resulted in 1,200 additional properties placed in
the 1130-year floodplain. The City of San Pablo and Contra.Costa Flood Control District are both
concerned with,the impact of creek restoration and flood control design on affordable housing
and riparian habitat. The Carps$50,000 request will allow the Corps ofEngineers to determine
if the City and County's preferred restoration and flood control designs are adequate.
Y Y
On behalf of Contra Costa County and the City of Pleasant Hili, we respectfully request your
"INTRO ON MCYCUC PAPI A
!0'-;'20 '2902 13:42 FAIL 2022255609 Rep George Miller i CDO Q 007
support for$200,000 in the Corps FY 03 budget for Grayson Creek and Murderers Creek.
This funding will allow the Sacramento Division to update the 1992 Feasibility Report for these
two creeks which at located within the Walnut Creek Basin. In FY02,your subcommittee
provided$100,000 for a General Investigation study of this area. FEMA,recently released
preliminary updated flood control maps which add 1,500 properties to the 100-year floodplain.
Like the previous request,this$200,000 allocation to the Corps of Engineers wables local
representatives to work with County and City officials to approve creek restoration and flood
protection designs that are both environmentally sound and affordable,'rh;n atn f is a
of Fkasaat Hill and iti res.i
Thank you again for your continued,support for our past requests,and thank you,in advance,for
your support of these two important flood control projects. Should you have any questions
gelated to these two requests,please contact Amelia Jenkins in Rep. Miller's office.
Sincerely,
ELLEN 0.'TAUSCHER, M.C. GEORGE LER,M.C.
101'District of California, 7'District of California
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The Honorable Held P,09= The Honorable Martins Sab
chairman Ran�in$Member ti
House Committee on Appropriations House Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation Subcommittee on Transportation
2358 Rayburn House Office Building 1016 Longworth House OfficeBuilding
Washington,DC 20515 Washington,DC 20515
Bear Chairman Rogers and Rang Member Sabo;
I appreciate the support your subcommittee has provided to constituentsin my district over the
years. As you are aware,transportation improvaxnents for bighways and mass transit are
important for providing jobs,enhancing air quality,and reducing the dax'ly commute for residents
in the congested Say Area.. As requested by your subcommittee,I=submitting my top five
transportation funding priorities for your consideration. Given tic shared tm poxtataion nerds for
the Mire East Bay,I work closely with fellow Representatives Tauscher,Thompson,Lee,aAd
Stark to prioritizes and request federal funding for regional transportation prc7 jests.a The hist below
reflects my five prioritim
North Richmond, California Circulation Projects — $1.5 Million
•
Vallejo Baylink Ferry Intermodal Center,--$10 MUlion
•
Fairfield/Vacaville fnterrnodal Station--$5.5 Million
• AC Welfare to Work Job Access and Reverse Commute–$4.0 Million `
•
BART San Francisco international A. rt Extension Project 5100 Million
T.he.North Richmond,Ca ifornia Circulation Pxiojects request would provider necessary
analyte,design„=d public bipm for u=Arimproves near insid=tial areas and:the Verde
P-Minentary School in an unincorporated portion of'Contra Cvsta Cuuntjr,.0 fro iG tIY*
cross-country freight trucks are forced to use residential streets to access businesses in North.
Richmond and gan Pablo. The$f.S million in ftmding will be used to W t nd,three d.cad-end
meets so that truck,traffic bypasses a residential area and elementary school. In addition,the
f xnding will create safe pc destrias'a/blcycle crosdugs which will connect`Nowt Richmond
residential areas with 4atcent retail centers in the;City of Sart.Pablo.
North Richmond is one of the most economically challenged tins in my district and Verden
Elementary School Is one of lowest per ms schools in the State of Ca onlia.
Neighborhood improvements are much needed for this overlooked area. Unfortunately,yaw
nt"M out Aec" ID
. 03429l200,2 11:17 FAX 2022265609 Rep George Miller CDO 0004/018
Page 2
Rqp. George Miller
FY03 Transportation Request
subcommittee was unable to appropriate fi iding for flu project in F"Y02. Therefore,I am
requesting$1.,5 trillion for FY03. This project is the top transportation pnIority for Contra
Costa County who has'partacred with tiLe City of Richmond,the City of Sari Pablo,East Bay
Regional Parr District,Union Pacific Railroad,Burlington NortheSanta.Fe Railway,AC
Transit,North Richmond Municipal Advisory Council,and the Forth Richmond Task
Force/Federal Regional Council.
My second priority is continued fiumding through the Ferry and F=r Terminal account for the
Vallejo Baylink Ferry Intermodal Center.I greatly appreciate the suMrt your subcommittee
has provided to constituents for this project over the years. Specifically,your subcommittee has
generously funded the expansion of the most widely used furry line in the Bay Area. The Bayt3nk
Ferry serves almost one million riders annually with an estimated;Increase to 1.3 million annual
riders is FY03. baeased ridership demands additional parking,pedestrian walkways,bicycle
facilities, and improved roadway mess. X 10 sem# tion bkIhe—E=
.
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The;East Bay of San Francisco is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. To beep up
with the population growth,efficient transportation into San.Francisco and surroundmg a
must be provided. The Vallejo F rry Terminal is accessed by commuters from throughout the
East and North Bay and provides one of the best commute alt=adves. A key component to the
continued success of the Baylink perry is its ability to accommodate these riders. The $2 million
your subcommittee provided East year allowed the Baylink Ferry system to add an additional ferry
to the system. In addition to Federal funding,the project has secured$7..5 million in state STIP
funding as well as $5 million.in local.funding. k& Mg=-1, �d 4 - et
. _o,
tmfflc am=&da nhm Valle e F Le= , the 3mabig
Nip third priority is a joint$5.3 million request for the Fai rrfieldlV'aesville Intermodal Station.
They ached letter describes this necessity of these improvements to North Bay residents, My
fourth priority is a$4.0 million allocution for the AC Welfare to Work Job Access and
Revcrse.ComwuftU %t.servace. Attached is the letter describing the proje t I amjointly
requestingwith Repres=tativ t=-and ati Stark.
The fife and final priority for my district and others in the Bay Area is$100 million in funding
for the BART San Francisco International Airport(SFO)Extension Project. Bath the Full
Funding Grant Agreement(FFOA.)and the President's FY 2003 bust request call for this level
oaffirnd g for the project,which is this region*s top priority for feral New ates
appropriations.
Sipffl:ant progress has been made on the BART SFC Extension,partly as a.result of your
support,which has been essential to u�aint t�, g the accel pace of construction assc rterl
with tdesin build construction contracting.This long-awaited$,7-mile,four-smticn rapid rail
• 04/29,/2402 11:17 FAX 2022255809 Rep George Miller -► CDO Q005/018
Page 3
Rep. George Miller
FY63 'Trans rtation' Request
transit extension project is now 93 percent complete overall. Civil constrwtion is nearly fadsh4
and the complex systems work is well advanced.Last month,BART successfully operated its
first test talus over the northern half of the new line.
As the project moves ittmo the final stages of development,federal,ung tom the$750
million FFOA.becomes gall the more critical.Under the FFGA fiutding schedule,$377 minion
mmains to be appropriated in fiscal years 2003-2006. The.state and local ohm of pre+ject casts,
$733 million.las been rived and expended.To maintain the project schedule and budget
while meeting cash flow deman s,BART IqVWApd the federal comxir ittfent This debt is paid
of with annual receipt of Stam appropriations.It is tberefore crucfid that federal
appropriations keep paw with the FFGA schedule and dW the project receive*a fiffi$100
aprdllion in FY 2003.
The BART SFO Extension offers a multitude of public lasts to the Bay Area.The project will
link the existing 95-mile BART system directly with the San Fr cisco International Akport,the
fiflh busiest airport in the country.It will also establish an internuxhd connection between B.A.T
and the 77-wile Calms commuter rail system,which operates between Sant Francisco aid:the
Silicon Valley.thus creating a vastly expanded regional rail network serving five Bay Area
counties. By creating new links among communities and drawing stew riders to transit,the
Project will promote economic productivity and reduce bac congestion, fuel consumption,and;
air pollution.
Tbank you,in advance for your attention to these requests and for your past generosity. Pipe
feel free to contact Amelia Jew on my staff at 225-2095 if you should have any questions.
sincer
138 ER
Member of Congress,7th District
y
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ATTACHMENT 4
November 18, 2002
To: Sara Hoffman
From. Paul Schlesinger
Jason Lee
Re: TANF reauthorization and child support
Per your request,we have prepared the following status report concerning TANF
reauthorization and child support issues.
TANF Reauthorization
As you may know,Congress opted earlier this year to include a short-term extension of
the current Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF)program as part of the
Continuing Resolution(H J Res 111)that was approved on September 26, 2002. The CR
kept most welfare and related programs,including transitional Medicaid,funded at
current levels through December 31"of this year.
However when Congress returned to Washington after the November elections,they
passed a Continuing Resolution(H.J.Res. 124)to fund government programs and
operations until wil
January 11,2003. So,his resolution l extend TANF funding through
that date. This means that when the new Congress convenes on January 7,it will again
face the issue of completing its work on the budget for the fiscal year that'i began on
October 1,2002, as well as its work on issues such as TANF reauthorization. We are
presuming that the budget will not be resolved between the time the 108th Congress
convenes,and January 11. Rather,a new continuing resolution will be adopted,
extending the funding of government programs through some date in February or March.
The failure of Congress to legislate in this area will,of course,disappoint'state and local
officials. The passage of a five-year bill was the original,primary goal,but some state
and local leaders subsequently called for Congress to pass,at a minimum,'a three-year
extension of current'law with increases in child care funding and other improvements. A
three-year bill,as opposed to a simple one-year extension of the act,would have provided
state and local governments with more certainty regarding the receipt of federal funding
as they plan their own budgets,and provided the opportunity to mare needed
improvements in the program.
It is our understanding that funding for the first quarter of state TANF operations will be
released early January,so that programs can continue even if the TANF issue is not
resolved.by January'11.
Next year's TANF reauthorization will be rather contentious (as was evident during this
year's debate). Although the mouse passed its TANF reauthorization bill(HR 4737)back
in May of this year,with the Senate Finance Committee approving its version of the
legislation in June,the full Senate failed to take any action because Senate leaders were
unable to negotiate a deal that would bring the Senate Finance Committee.-approved
welfare bill to the Boor. Even if the Senate version had passed,most observers believed
that the Douse and Senate would have been unable to reconcile the rather sizeable
differences between the competing measures. The two bills differed widely on many
issues, including work requirements and child care funding. Not only dict;the Senate
legislation retain current law's 30 hours per week work requirement(the House would
increase the requirement to 40 fours),the Senate bill also included$4.5 billion more in
mandatory child care funding over five years.
In the 108'h Congress,it is possible that the Republican-controlled House and the now
Republican-controlled Senate will start the TANF reauthorization from scratch(at the
Committee level). If the process takes too long,it is likely that another short-term
extension will be passed(much like the Continuing Resolution that fended TANF from
September to December of this year).
We,of course,will track the TANF reauthorization issue when the 1411th Congress begins
work next year, work toward needed changes,and keep you apprised of developments as
they occur.
Child Support
Efforts to approve legislation aimed at reducing the penalties that the State of California
pays to the federal government as a result of not having a statewide automated child
support enforcement system certified by the Department of HEIS have failed. A measure
(HR 4857),sponsored by Representative Bob Matsui(D-CA)and co-sponsored by 33
members of the California congressional delegation,would have reduced the current
child support penalties by roughly 50 percent. in addition,the bill would have allowed
the state of California to reinvest a portion of the,penalty dollars back into the child
support program if the State increased spending by specified percentages.
Pursuant to federal law,all states were required to have automated statewide child
support collection systems implemented by 1997.Those failing to meet the deadline face
increasingly stiff sanctions based on prior year child support program administrative
costs. It should be rioted that because California has significantly boosted program
spending in recent years,there has been a corresponding increase in the amount of
penalties that the State must pay. In fact,beginning in fiscal year 2003,more than one
half of the penalty will be attributed to the state's increased investments in the child
support program.
It is difficult to predict whether this bill will be reintroduced and passed in the 108d' i
Congress. Although Democrats strongly endorsed the Matsui bill in the 107'b Congress,a
number of key Republicans within the California congressional delegation,including
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas(R-CA)whose Committee has
jurisdiction over the bill,did not support altering the current penalty structure. We were
told that Chairman Thomas and others have argued that the State of California has had 14
years to meet federal requirements,and that reducing the current penalty structure would
ease pressure on the state to complete its automated system. In addition,opponents of the
legislation have argued that passage of the bili would increase the current federal budget
deficit clue to the overall cost of the legislation.
In the 108`'Congress,Republican opposition in the House and the likelihood of
Republican opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate will make it very difficult for
Congressman Matsui to get this bill passed. However,we will monitor any developments
regarding this issue.
If you have any questions about either of these issues,please contact us.
waslungtonpost.com: senate Aj; roc
ATTACHMENT 5
wp9hingtonpost.com
Senate +SOI' headers Accept Budget Ceiling
$10 Billion Cut in Spending Bills Planned
By Dan Morgan
Washington Past Staff Writer
Sunday,November 24,2002;Page A04
In a sign of President Bush's stronger hand in Congress, Senate Republican leaders have agreed to cut
$10 billion from this year's batch of domestic spending bills and wind up work on the budget before his
State ofthe Union address in January.
Speedy completion of the 11 long-stalled bills would enable the president to credit the GOP takeover of
Congress with breaking a budget logjam that flush has blamed mainly on Senate Democrats. If Congress
goes along with his spending levels,he can also claim a victory in his campaign to restrain the growth of
domestic programs.
But the president's call for spending cuts is virtually certain to ignite fierce fighting in Congress,not
only between Democrats and.Republicans but also within GOP circles,as lawmakers try to spare their
favorite programs from the ax.
Many GOP lawmakers want billions of dollars more in drought relief for farmers,assistance to western
states in combating forest fires,and more money for highway construction,veterans'medical programs
and the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the White House has accused Congress of
profligate spending, strong bipartisan support remains for programs ranging from Amtrak to rural
education--all of which could be subject to federal aid reductions under Lush's plan.
At a Nov. 15 White House meeting,the president rejected an appeal from senior GOP lawmakers for
modest increases in the fiscal 2003 budget,raising the possibility that a spending showdown could be
the first order of business--and the first test for the GOP-led Senate and House--when the 108th
Congress convenes in January.
Since the current fiscal year began on Oct. 1,federal agencies other than the Pentagon have been
operating under a"continuing resolution,"which funds them at last year's levels until Congress approves
the new spending bills.
Earlier this year, Republican members of the Senate Appropriations Committee joined Democrats in
voting unanimously to provide$395 billion for federal departments and agencies ether than the
Pentagon in the current fiscal year. The president's plan would require cutting that,to$385 billion.
In the GOP-controlled House,the Appropriations Committee has loyally stuck to the spending ceiling
set by the'White House. But GOP leaders have taken only three of t i nondefense bills to the floor
because of threats by Republican moderates to oppose the measures unless they contain a boost in the
president's proposed spending on education,veterans'medical care,community lav enforcement and
other programs.
"There's going to have to be'a lot of inhaling and tucking over here," said James W. Dyer,GOP chief of
staff of the House Appropriations Committee. "We're talking about putting a size 50 into a size 34."
http.11www.washingtonpost.comlac fwp-dyn/A31592-2O02Nov 3?language--printer 1216!02
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Sources said Bush,at the Nov. 15 meeting,rejected a pitch for modest increases in the budget by House
Appropriations Committee Chairman C.W. Bill Young(R-Fla.). Young was seconded by Sen. Ted
Stevens(R-Alaska), who will be chairman of the Appropriations Committee when the GOP assumes the
Senate majority in January.
Bush insisted GOP lawmakers stick to a ceiling of around$750.5 billion for all programs funded by
annual appropriations bills. Kush has signed into law two military-related bills totaling$365.5 billion,
leaving$385 billion for nondefense programs that range from space exploration and homeland defense
to housing and health.
Young and Stevens pledged to do their best to carry out the presidents request, sources said. "Both
principals made their case, and both were rejected," said a GOP aide. "It was cordial."
White House officials say the administration`s budget target is well within reach.
Nonmilitary spending last year amounted to$373 billion,excluding emergency outlays connected with
the Sept. 11,2001,terrorist attacks. "White House budget officials say the$12 billion increase provided
in the new budget is relatively generous considering the wartime requirements for steep increases in
defense spending.
Congressional budget analysts noted, however,that the bulk of the overall increase goes to homeland
defense activities involving port and airport security,the Customs Service,the FBI,the Coast Guard and
related agencies. Meanwhile,federal education funding is frozen at$50 billion. Some education
program with broad congressional support, such as grants to rural schools,would be eliminated.
Democrats have warned that the Pell grant program,which provides as much as $4,000 a year in aid to
low-income college students,will run out of money before the fiscal year's end if Congress follows the
administration's budget plan.
GOP officials say education funding has doubled since Republicans took control of the House in 1995.
For Stevens,a fierce advocate of federal funding for his home state,meeting the White House budget
ceiling could be particularly daunting. It would involve scrapping bipartisan bills drafted under the
direction of outgoing Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert C. Byrd(D-W.Va.).
Stevens and other committee Republicans supported a$133.9 billion bill funding labor,health and
education programs --exceeding the president's budget by $4 billion. Republicans on the committee also
supported a bill that would give the Commerce,Justice and State departments$3 billion more than the
president requested.
Among the candidates for cutting are hundreds of local projects earmarked by influential lawmakers.
But with the GOP controlling both houses only by thin majorities,those projects are often needed to
garner votes on the floor.
Senate Republicans last week began drafting language that would prohibit amendments to spending bills
if they push the cost above the White House ceiling. Such a iesolution would require only a simple
majority in the Senate and cannot be filibustered.
But aides acknowledged that passing it may require GOP leadeis to,write in an exception for drought
relief and other items with a high priority for some senior R ubli6Ms. Whether the White House will
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G.O.P.'s 'Cardinals of Spending' Are Reined In by House
Tgobnology Leadersar;lence By
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ASHINCTON.Dec, 1 R It.was several steps short of a full-blown ur but a recent
Region W move by the strong-minded Republican House leadership to consolidate its power over
Matta the next Congress still packed enough force to jolt Capitol Hill.
c9mid 1n a display of discipline applauded by some of the most conservative blouse members,the Inret#ieemcr,
a Pr— t?'?t 11 leadership palled in the reins on the 13 Republican members who control most discretionary federaliise Z 2on3t
-- spending.a group of subcommittee chairmen so powerful they arc known as the Cardinals.From
'' now on,Home leaders said,lite chairmen will be selected not by seniority but by J.Dennis Hastert, n,f•13 who vax w.ran r+,»ma rrY Cho
EdittSlfalS/t�a-Eel the Nouse speaker,and Tom DeLay.the majority leader,and their clost;circle,who arc likely to use •(December 2,2002)
pleads#'Opinions their new leverage to restrain spending.
the message was unmistakable.Congressional appropriators will
IkL1d #Itd3"5r have to follow the tuna:piped by the lcadcrshlp,in close
consultation with the White House.Those Republicans who -ropicc ..Alert$
,s•;: march to their own beat in holing out spending favors or United stales Politics and
preserving program<without authorerAirtm could tinct thernscivcs Governman#
out of a job. Can ees
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niamnar iatgs ci:t a st "These subcommittee chairman are as powerful or in some cases .Ikepub"can Parry -
more powerful than regular committee chnimen,"said John
portable naro driva that fits Feehcry,Mr.Hastrrt's spokesman."The speaker's action refects Budgets 2sudaexng --
Dining A Win is your==I? the fact that those chairmen etre now going to have to be
N � accountable." Create Your Own I Manses Alerts
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Gt SWordLQMea Look and fel of nalur rt well known to the public,but their supreme authority over the 13
calm de<v#iaht..,nsWel spending bilis that provide the gtrvernmont with tax money has
macilzim made there a magnet for lobbyists and campaign cash.and has
t,+�+ttek#n Review Hili technr, 2y made every other member who maxis a project back home
Multirnedlalfshotas etane#ala ve r location with eholdca to diem.Each year.chairmen like Terry Lewis of
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California,who leads the defense subcommittee;Joe Skeen of
New Mexico,who leads the interior subcomrnittee;and Henry
Bonilla of Texas.who lends the agriculture subcommittee,pick
time zom and choose from among thousands of spending requests.Their
concentrated power has always produced tensions with
Book,a Trin Fdt €:�i(• -fl Duplicator ltd tester C:on ressional leaders and the executive branch.
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subcommittee chairmen had become so enchanted with their
i1iXI SiWA NEW teen lieu unchecked ability to spend billions of federal dollars in their
bn.male need lg- aailt'.found On diaricis and those of friends N a practice formally known as
15-Carsf� _...a moa mets"a a. earmarking and cOmmonly called pork-barrelling N that they had
8bmit NYTL)i l strayed from the ideological reservation.
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Media Kit Mr.Mastert has not forgotten that four or the chairmen defied the
WI;Adv_rtlsers leadership a year ago and voted against i(iving Pro,;iclont Bush the
3 ability to negtrtiuw trey-trcide aggmemcnts.And appropriations
Your ftfilgstaff members are considered insufficiently deferential to the Prigg., 1195, Loam Mora.
&MMI Prefer n es wtYheS of the leadership.
New_ Tra r "lyow the leadership gem to have the Cardinals come in and 4,rovel before diem,"said Sonny
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of Alabama,who,just retired from the House and his position as head of the energy and
Site Help a water subwramince,His tone reflected the annoyance of many Republican spending leaders at the
implications of the new rule.
But far more is at issue than vengeance and personal loyalty.The current appropriators and their
r-Wili ,!S r+r,ne sW-f members have long been seen by committed House Gonsc#vatives as free-spending captives of you can know play NYTirnes,com's .
Electronic ftr. the old system,unwilling to consider a broad rethinking of the federal budget that might actually Featured Special Crossword
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Comtrlunity Affairs Republican Study Committee,a rising group of junior Hutwc conservatives.for refusing to Consider
+�•e�-=- *� deep cuts in foreign aid and domestic social programs,and for the usual pork-barrel protects.
a i .a. Hoping to resirsin the influence of art old-boy system that kept many Republican moderates on the
Appropriadow Committee the new chairwoman of the study committee,Sue Myrick of North
Carolina,proposedjjust after the elections that the ontirc Republican caucus be allowed to vote on
_.. the appointments cif the subcorrunittee chairmen.That approach was considered too radical by the
Attvartlter Links: leadcrshipt but Mr.Hastert and Mr.Dcl ayagreed to put the selections in the heads or their
Ne l lvily i coRepublican Steering Committee,a group of about 25 top FCou a Republicans that now selects most
b ci Q.ltt tart mmittec chairmen, VI"by Zip Code:
The adoption of their suggestion left many conservatives crowing,and vowing that an era of liscul
restraint was about to dawn,one Justified by the recent election.
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