HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 03092004 - C.40 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS *,` rf ,• CONTRA
COSTA
FROM: John Sweeten, County Administrator COUNTS
DATE: March 9, 2004
SUBJECT: Revisions to 2004 Federal Legislative Platform
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S)& BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS):
ADOPT the revised 2004 Federal Legislative Platform, as attached.
BACKGROUND/REASON(S) FOR REL"OMMENDATIONJS,)
When the Board of Supervisors adopted the 2004 Federal Legislative Platform on December 16, 2003, there
were several outstanding issues. Questions were also raised by Board :Members. The attached revised platform
resolves those issues and responds to Board questions as follows:
0. Dredging Projects — Each year the County requests funding for the Army Corps of Engineers dredging;
maintenance and associated projects at a funding level equivalent to the Army Corps of Engineers
declared capabilities. Those figures were not available in December and so the requested amounts could
not be included. They are now final, with $800,000 for San Francisco-Stockton channel deepening,
$4.559 million for Suisun Bay Channeli'tiew York Slough maintenance dredging; and $3.5 million for
Pinole Shoal dredging.
00. ARIES - Coun"ide Integrated Justice and Information System — The December federal platform
included a $2.'7 million appropriation request for the County Microwave .System improvements, but not
the Integrated Justice Information System. Both had been included in the 2003 platform. We were
informed that we should choose one or the other. At that time, no appropriations had been made for
FFA' 05 and the Countywide Microwave System improvement was selected. Since then, the County
received a $250;000 appropriation for the ARIES-Countywide Integrated Justice Information System.
Since it is usually easier to receive an appropriation for a continuing project than a new project, it is
recommended that the projects be substituted.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: r_YES SIGNATURE.
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR—RECOMMENDATION OF eb omMITTEE
APPROVE s OTHER
r
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BO L3 Mardl 9. LULA APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X_OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
IV I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
xUNANIMOUS{ABSENT �� } TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED
ABSENT: _- _ ABSTAIN: ON MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact:Sara Hothmn,335-1090
ATTESTED � rch, 9, 200+
cc: CAO JOHN SWEETEN,CLERK OF
Atcalde&Fay(Via CAO) THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
r
12 P-Ity
BACKGROUND/REASON(S)FOR RECOMMENDATION(S):
or, Contra Costa Reads!—For FFY 04,there were numerous small appropriations to various library projects
throughout the United Mates. Seeing this new opportunity for funding, the library has proposed a
$72,000 appropriation request for Contra Costa Reads!, a library literacy program for second graders.
M► .Regional Watershed Planning—For several years, the County has included an appropriation request for
the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan. Recently, as part of that effort, the multi-
county coalition has been discussing Section 404 Clean Water Act permits with the Army Corps of
Engineers, who has indicated a willingness to participate in the permit planning process. This new
appropriation request would provide $2 million to finance their participation.
1► Rodeo Marina Siltation Study—In 2003,the County included a request for$200,000 for the Army Corps
of Engineers to assist in determining the causes of siltation at the Rodeo Marina. This request was
carried forward from the previous year. However, the Redevelopment Agency has since received
alternate funding for this study and it is no longer necessary.
10. State Route .239/State Route 84 Development — The 2004 platform included a $15 million TEA-21
Authorization request for state route development. However, since December, there have been
indications that it might also be possible to receive an appropriation for the project. That $1 million
request is now included.
eBART Mococo Lane _ Similar to the state route project, a$1 million appropriation is included as well as
the TEA-21 Authorization request.
► Walnut Creek Basin Studies - The Board has an adopted policy position supporting consideration of
ecological restoration and social benefits of flood control projects, including the Walnut Creek and
Grayson Creek/Murderers Creek projects in the Walnut Creek Basin. The Army Corps of Engineers
very recently indicated that they have the capability to move forward on their study of the lower Walnut
Creek Channel in FFY 05 at a$500,000 funding level (last funded in FFY 02). In addition,the President
has included $300,000 for the Grayson Creek/Murderer's Creek Study in his budget, which gives the
County an excellent chance to secure funding.
2004 Federal Legislative Platform
Contra Costa County
Appropriation Requests
ARDS - Countywide Integrated Justice Infon-nation System — $4.0 million appropriation
over 5 years to integrate all disparate justice information systems in Centra Costa
County to support public safety, linking the 19 cities and their police departments,
Superior Court, County Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, Public defender; County
Probation, California Highway patrol and, eventually, other county; state and federal
agencies. The request would fund immediate priority needs as well as the infrastructure
necessary for critical long-term priorities. Immediate priorities include: criminal master
name index, criminal history index, probation status information, a countywide certified
ID system and Alameda/Contra Costa region proof of concept. The infrastructure would
support the creation of the electronic booking system, sex registration information
automation, warrant service enhancement and gang name affiliation database.
Centra Costa Beads! - $72,000 for a library fearing program for all 12,000 second
graders in Contra Costa County. All second graders will be introduced to their local
library and how it works; receive their own library card; and start their own personal
library with a new book. Second grade is a critical age for establishing reading habits,
the single most significant predictor of academic success.
Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence Initiative — $2.5 million appropriation for the
County's innovative multi-agency initiative to combat domestic and family violence and
elder abuse. The Board of Supervisors allocated approximately $1.8 million in funding
for Zero Tolerance in FY 03-04. This appropriation would strengthen and expand the
initiative.
Sara Francisco to Stockton (J. F. Baldwin) Ship Channel Deepening - $800,000
appropriation to continue phase two of J. F. Baldwin Deepening Project. The deepening
project is a study of the potential for deepening the channel section from one foot to five
feet and the salinity effects of such deepening. Phase one efforts focused on economic
benefit to the nation; to justify the federal expense and performed salinity modeling on
channel sections. This phase will address remaining issues, including detailed channel
design, environmental documentation, cost analysis, additional numeric modeling and
dredged material disposal options. This will ensure that the project is as
"environmentally friendly" as possible.
Suisun Bay Channelllllew York Slough Maintenance Dredging - $4.559 million
appropriation to the Army Corps of Engineers 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
3/9/04
Carquinez Straits and into the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta. Dredging for this channel
is particularly costly; due to requirements on placement of dredged materials in upland
environments. 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
Pinole Shoal Dredging - $3.5 million appropriation to the Army Corps of Engineers for
maintenance dredging (includes associated work at Mare Island) to the authorized
depth of minus 35 feet. Recent condition surveys have illustrated that the channel
needs to be dredged every year. The Pinole Shoal channel is a major arterial for vessel
transport through the San Francisco Bay region; serving oil refineries and bulb cargo
which is transported as far east as Stockton. With the exception of dredging in 20103
and some emergency dredging on channel sections, the channel has not been dredged
regularly since the Mare Island [naval Facility closed several years ago
Individual Development Account Programs - $300,000 appropriation to pilot a program
to encourage low income individuals to establish personal savings accounts (with
matching funds from private sources)- The program would provide an economic
incentive for savings as well as teach money management and savings skills.
Participants would be able to use their savings to further their education, start or
improve their small business or buy a home, all of which would help increase economic
self sufficiency.
Hydrograph Modification Management Plan - $300,000 appropriation for plan
development to establish management measures to improve water quality, protect
riparian habitats and ensure stability of streams within the County's watershed. The
plan is being developed in response to new requirements by the Regional Water Quality
Control Board and will help balance the impact of development with the needs of the
watershed and its ecosystems.
Regional Watershed Planning - $2 million appropriation to the Army Corps of Engineers
to participate in developing a Regional Wetlands Permit Application with Placer,
Sacramento, Contra Costa and Solano counties. This project will advance the goals of
conservation planning to integrate endangered species permits and wetlands permits.
While regional endangered species permits for urban growth are becoming more
common, there is little precedent for receiving similar permits wetlands impacts under
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This project will pilot this innovative concept.
East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plait - $3 million appropriation to fund
the development of habitat conservation plans and natural communities conservation
plans within Placer, Sacramento, Santa Clara, Solano, Yolo and Contra Costa Counties.
Contra Costa's share would be used to address an 185,0030-acre planning area that
includes all watersheds draining the eastern flanks of Mt. Diablo. 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. The regional
2
approach will ensure that plans are specific to the county, yet consistent in scope and
approach.
Rosie the Riveter Historic Childcare Center Restoration Project - $8.5 million
appropriation to retrofit and rebuild the Maritime and Powers Head Start childcare
centers ($5 million and $3.5 million, respectively) in the Rosie the Riveter National Park
in Richmond, CA. The childcare centers have operated continuously since World War 11.
Now serving 480 children and families, these childcare centers have benefited four
generations of Richmond residents.
Walnut Creek Basin Studies - $500,000 and $600,000 appropriations for the Army
Corps of Engineers to analyze the Walnut Creek Channel and Grayson
Creek/Murderer's Creek, respectively, to provide environmental enhancement and
ecosystem restoration and evaluate fish passage through the system. The projects are
designed to help improve flood protection in a densely populated area, while leaving the
creeks in a natural state, thus providing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other
wildlife; increasing neighborhood livability; and allowing for linkages with recreational
and park land.
TEA-29 Authorization and Appropriation Requests
Carquinez Scenic Drive Bay Trail Segment - $5 million appropriation and TEA 21
authorization to repair slide damage and reconstruct the closed road to multi-use trail
standards as part of the San Francisco Say Trail. The Trail is a continuous 400 mile
recreation corridor that will encircle the entire Bay Area, connecting communities to
each other and the Bay. To date, 210 miles of the Bay Trail have been developed.
This segment would access East Bay Regional Parks land 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. The planning study, which evaluated roadway stability and identified
stabilization and path alignment alternatives was completed this year.
North Richmond Circulation Improvements Project- $20 million TEA 21 authorization for
planning, community outreach, engineering, environmental clearances and construction
of two projects in North Richmond: a pedestrian/bicycle 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.
State Route 2391State Route 84 Development - $1 million appropriation and $15 million
TEA 21 authorization for development of a Major Investment Study and Project Study
Report to define the alignment of both routes as well as project engineering and design,
environmental review and right of way acquisition. Alignment alternatives will include
expansion of existing roadways, including Byron Highway and Vasco Road, and a new
3
761
highway on a new alignment. The newly designated State Route 239 (also known as
the Brentwood-Tracy Expressway), is needed for handling increasing volumes of truck
traffic between East County and Central Valley, generating job development in East
County, mitigating traffic impact of residential development and supporting expansion of
the Byron Airport, while State Route 84 needs to be developed for handling increasing
commuter traffic between Contra Costa County and Alameda County.
Mococo Line "eBART" Rail Development - $1 million appropriation for environmental
review and $40 million TEA 21 authorization for preliminary and final design,
environmental review and right-of-way for the "eBART" rail project along the Mococo
Line currently owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. "eBART" would provide diesel rail
service from East County to the PittsburgtBay Point BART station. Eventually, it would
also connect to the Altamont Commuter Express Train that runs from Tracy to Silicon
'Halley. Negotiations for right-of-way acquisition are currently in progress with the Union
Pacific Railroad, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority and BART, which would
operate the new service.
Policy Positions
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 San 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 continue to
oppose the San Luis Drain option and support instead drainage solutions in the valley,
such as reducing the volume of problem water drainage; managing/reusing within the
district drainage area; retiring lands with severe drainage impairment (purchased from
willing sellers); and reclaiminglremoving solid salts through treatment, bird safe/bird free
solar ponds and farm-based methods.
Floud Control Local !batch and Cast Benefit 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. Language was included in the 2002 Water Resources and Development Act
on the local match; however, the bill was continued to 2003. It may be continued again
this year. Legislative remedy on these issues would 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
Beneficial Use of Dredged Materials - Dredging of the channels between the San
Francisco Bay and the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta is critical for the continued safe
transport of materials in those channels and a key cost component is disposal of the
dredged materials. A federal study is needed to determine the feasibility of the
4
beneficial use of dredged materials, including the benefits and impacts on salinity in the
Delta, navigation; flood control damage, ecosystem restoration, water control, water
supply reliability and recreation as well as the feasibility of using Sherman Island as a
rehandling site for the dredged material, for levee maintenance andlor ecosystem
restoration. Language was included in the Water Resources and: Development Act
(WRDA) as passed by the House. No Senate action is expected prior to late January,
when they reconvene for the 2004 session. This issue is included in case Congress
again delays consideration of WRDA.
Head Start Reauthorization — The House and Senate introduced legislation to
reauthorize the Head Start program in 2003. Although the president's budget
proposed to restructure Head Start as a block grant to the states and move: program
oversight from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to the U. S.
Department of Education, the House bill maintained administration by HHS. The
County will support reauthorization of Head Start at current funding levels or higher;
keeping the program in the Department of Health of Human Services with direct grants
to localities (i.e., current structure, no state block grants); and continuing the family-
based comprehensive program.
Agricultural Pest and Disease Control — Agriculture and native environments in Contra
Costa County are being threatened by a variety of pests, diseases and non-native
weeds. The Federal government provides funding for research, regulation, pest
exclusion activities, survey and detection, pest management, weed control, public
education and outreach. The County will support funding in all these areas for
protection of our agricultural industry and open space.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Reauthorization — Both the House and Senate passed
versions of H.R.1261, the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act in 2003. The
P'resident's budget proposed to restructure WIA as a black grant to the states, reduce
local control over services and program expenditures and adopt new proposed
performance measures. The Senate legislation is more favorable to local concerns,
rejecting the state block grant approach and other issues affecting local delivery
systems, which are included in the House bill. The County will support reauthorization
of the Workforce Investment Act at current funding levels or higher; keeping the
program at the federal level rather than block granting it; maximizing local control, so
that we can meet local needs; and establishing reasonable performance measures on
meeting client needs in a cost effective manner
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Reauthorization -- TANF contains the
federal authority and funding authorizations under which the State and the County
implement welfare reform (CalWQRKs). Congress continues to pass extensions of
TANF authorization as the House and Senate work towards final passage of H.R. 4 in
2004- The County will advocate for:
�- continuing the current level of TANF funding and associated block grants;
5
enhancing the flexibility of State designed welfare programs to meet the needs 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;"
and
➢ allowing California to continue the CalWORKs grant for children and families
after the parent has reached the five-year lifetime limit under TANF.
Federal "Statewideness"Requirements -- For many federally funded programs, there is
a "statewideness" requirements; i.e., all counties must operate the specific program
under the same rules and regulations. This can hamper the County's ability to meet
local needs, to be cost effective and to leverage the funding of one program to reduce
costs in another program. Contra Costa County cannot negotiate for federal waivers or
do things differently because it is not a state, yet its population is greater than .seven
states. Recognizing this is a long-term effort, the County will advocate for relaxation of
the "statewideness" rule to allow individual counties or consortium of counties to receive
direct waivers from the federal government and/or adopt the rules and regulations
currently in use in another state for specific programs.
Libraries -- Libraries are a key source of information and recreation for individuals and
businesses. The County will advocate for federal funding of library and literacy
programs. In addition, the County will continue to monitor such legislation as the
Freedom to Read Protection Act, the Security and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act, the
Library, Bookseller, and Personal Records Privacy Act, and the Protecting the Rights of
Individuals Act and to advocate for the right for libraries to maintain the privacy of patron
records, except in cases of court orders.
Advance Refunding of Municipal Bonds--Advance refunding is the refinancing of bonds
before they mature or become "callable." Current law limits local governments to a
single advance refunding of bonds for government facilities. 5.271 and H.R. 1076 were
introduced in 2003 to allow for an additional refunding, and the Board adopted a
position of support for both bills. In 2004, the County will continue its advocacy for
advance refunding of municipal bonds.
6