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ADOPT A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE, APPROPRIATION, AND BUDGETING OF GRANT FUNDING FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS UNDER THE WATERWAY CONNECTIONS INITIATIVE GRANT
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution:
1. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to accept and appropriate the grant award, conduct all negotiations, sign and submit all documents including applications, agreements, amendments, and payment requests, and make all necessary and appropriate actions in compliance with the grant terms and provisions of the State of California Division of Boating and Waterways funding;
2. Authorizing the filing of an appropriate environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by December 31, 2025; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager to take whatever actions are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose and intent of this resolution.
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Summary
The City of Stockton has been awarded $2 million from the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) under the Waterways Connective Initiative grant for the improvements of the Louis Park Boat Launch facility (Attachment A - Louis Park Boat Launch Rendering). Acceptance and appropriation of this funding will provide the City with necessary design plans, permits, and funding for future construction, aimed at enhancing both the safety and accessibility of the facility for all boaters, including those using non-motorized vessels.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Louis Park Boat Launch facility was last renovated in 2008 and has since undergone routine maintenance and minor enhancements to support boater use. As recreational needs have evolved, upgrades are now necessary to ensure the site remains safe and accessible. Proposed improvements include ADA-compliant pathways, an on-site restroom (likely an Exeloo), and the extension of the original dock to include low-profile access to the water for non-motorized vessel users.
In October 2024, the City identified a funding opportunity through DBW’s Waterways Connective Initiative grant, which provides grant funding to support infrastructure improvements at boating facilities. On December 3, 2024, Council approved Resolution No. 2024-12-03-1210 (Attachment B - Resolution 2024-12-03-1210), authorizing the City to submit a grant application on December 2, 2024, requesting $700,000 to fund planning and design efforts for the Louis Park Boat Launch facility improvements. After the application was submitted, DBW representatives conducted a site-walk and expressed desire to fund not only the planning phase, but the construction as well.
Present Situation
On May 8, 2025, the Boating and Waterways Commission approved a total grant award of $2 million, which includes the original $700,000 for planning and design, with an additional $1.3 million to fund construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE
The Louis Park Boat Launch project was previously exempt from CEQA (Attachment C - CEQA Louis Park Boating Facilities Grant) as the original ask only involved planning and design. With the addition of construction activities, CEQA compliance is now required and must be completed by December 31, 2025.
The Community Development Department (CDD) has determined that the project may still qualify for a Categorical Exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(d), as it involves the rehabilitation of existing facilities to meet current health and safety standards. The project is also consistent with the City’s General Plan, including Policy LU-6.3, which supports access to well-maintained public facilities. Staff from EDD will coordinate with CDD on the appropriate environmental review for construction of the Louis Park Boat Launch facility improvements, ensuring compliance and completion of CEQA by December 31, 2025.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There are no matching funds requirements, and there is no impact to the City’s General Fund or any other unrestricted fund as a result of the recommended action. The funds will be appropriated and budgeted in the Special Grant Fund, in the Marina Division.
Staff will return to Council with a recommendation to award a contract for project planning, design, and permitting following a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This first phase will include the development of detailed plans for the proposed improvements, as well as obtaining necessary permits for in-water construction. Once the design is complete, the City will issue a Request for Bids for Phase 2 of this project to complete construction. The anticipated grant funding will support the completion of design and construction work for this project.
Attachment A - Louis Park Boat Launch Rendering
Attachment B - Resolution 2024-12-03-1210
Attachment C - CEQA Louis Park Boating Facilities Grant