Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 17, 2008 K-03AGENDA ITEM �3 I& CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Select Project Nominationsfor San Joaquin Council of Governments' One Voice Trip MEETING DATE: December 17,2008 PREPARED B Y City Manager RECOMMENDED ACTION: Select the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project and Interchange Reconstruction at State Route 99/Harney Lane as the City of Lodi's nominations for the San Joaquin Council of Governments' One Voice trip and authorize City Manager to submit Local Jurisdiction Endorsement Form. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The San Joaquin Council of Governments (COG) is developing regional priorities in preparation for the annual "One Voice" lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., from April 26-30, 2009. The One Voice trip is an opportunity for all jurisdictions in the county to work cooperatively to secure federal funds. There is no guarantee of success. Because of the Council reorganization meeting on December 3, this is the first opportunity staff has had to bring the recommended selection to the City Council before COG's December 18 nomination deadline. The invitation to nominate projects was not received by the City until November 21. SJCOG invited the City to submit two projects for consideration: One regional transportation project and one local project, transportation or otherwise. The grant request is limited to $5 million, as noted in the COG evaluation criteria checklist. City staff recommends the City Council select the Interchange Reconstruction at Harney Lane and State Route 99 as its regional transportation project nomination and the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project as its local project nomination. Even if COG agrees with Lodi's nominations and pursues these projects, it may not result in funding. The City Council has been aware of the eroding riverbank in the Nature Area near Pigs Lake. Preliminary estimates put the cost of a permanent repair at $1,978,845, including the value of staff time. On Nov. 12, 2008, the City submitted a request to the State of California for $1,861,970 in grant funding through the River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration programs. Public agencies and community groups submitted more than 100 applications for the $40 million available statewide for those grants. Because the City has not identified any other funding source for the permanent repair, and because a riverbank failure would result in the loss of a highly valued City and regional resource, staff recommends the Council choose the Project as its top priority and requestfunding of $1,861,970. For the regional transportation project nomination, staff has selected reconstruction of the Harney Lane interchange at State Route 99. Reconstruction of the interchange, which has an outdated design and APPROVED: Blair, City Manager poor operating conditions, is estimated to cost $30 million. The interchange is important to the local and regional economy as critical linkage of the adjacent Blue Shield office complex and future retail commercial uses at Reynolds Ranch. Most of the required right-of-way has already been acquired, and design is scheduled to begin in 2009. A $5 million grant from the federal government would be matched with $25 million in local funding. The City Council last year chose the interchange as its No. 2 priority project. FISCAL IMPACT: Award of funding for the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project would protect the General Fund from being used to pay for future emergency repairs; award of funding for the Harney/99 interchange would free transportation funds for other needed projects. FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable Blair King City Ma Attachments: Applications. 2009 SJCOG "One Voice" Project Application Please answer the questions below in as much detail as possible. Requesting Entity: City of Lodi 221 W. Pine Street / P.O. Box 3006 Lodi, CA 95240 Contact Person: Blair King, City Manager, (209) 333-6700, bking@lodi.gov Priority: 1 of 2 requests Proiect Name: Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project Proiect Location: 1101 W. Turner Road, Lodi, Calif. Description of the Proiect: A quickly eroding riverbank threatens to flood a 58 -acre nature preserve that is one of the last of its kind: a riparian habitat within a Central Valley city's limits that provides a refuge for deer, migrating birds and the residents of the Lodi region who use the park for education, recreation and quiet contemplation. At one point, a mere 16 feet of riverbank separates the Mokelumne River from Pigs Lake, a thriving shallow wetland in the low point in the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area. More than half the bank has eroded since tree logs and root wads were cabled and placed on the bank in a low-cost repair effort in 1994. The Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project seeks to reinforce a 500 -foot stretch of riverbank with 15,500 tons of rock fill and riprap, topped by a riverbank trail and native vegetation above the waterline. A new trail section, 300 feet long, would extend the Nature Area's existing 1.14 -mile trail system to the new 500 -foot riverbank trail, all of which would be handicap accessible. The erosion is easily seen from a foot trail at the river's edge. Roots dangle through a slab of soil that extends over the water rippling below. Soon, that slab will join another chunk of dirt nearby that has fallen from the bank, its well-defined edges indicating its recent collapse. When the last sliver of bank fails, the Mokelumne River will flow into Pigs Lake and eventually reach a level that will leave much of the Nature Area covered with up to five feet of water, destroying the 58 acres' use not only for the public, but for wildlife and the plants that would not survive standing water. Once funds are identified, construction is expected to begin in the winter of the following year, at the completion of the Woodbridge Irrigation District's seasonal irrigation needs. The District controls river levels in the area through its Woodbridge Dam. Construction is not expected to take more than three months. Total Proiect Cost: $1,978,845 Amount Requested: $1,861,970 Matching Funds: The City has $116,875 in matching funds and has requested $1,861,970 in grant funding from the State of California through the Proposition 84 River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grant programs. Because only $40 million is available statewide, the City's chances of receiving its full grant request is remote. Grant awards through the Proposition 84 programs are expected to be announced in late spring 2009. Prior Federal Funding History: This is the first attempt at federal funding for the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project. Proiect Justification: The Project will preserve recreation in a major portion of a City of Lodi park that receives more than 200,000 visitors a year, many of whom use the Nature Area for school field trips, interpretive tours, bird watching and other forms of recreation. A successful project would ensure the public will continue to have access to riparian habitat in a region where most riverfront is privately owned. The California State Parks Planning Division released a study on Oct. 28, 2008 stating, "Regrettably, Central Valley residents do not have the outdoor recreation opportunities that they deserve." The Project has widespread community support, with letters endorsing the Project coming from the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee, the San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District, the Sandhill Crane Festival, State Sen. Dave Cogdill, the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District, Lodi Unified School District's science curriculum specialist, former State Assemblyman Alan Nakanishi, the San Joaquin Audubon Society, Tree Lodi, the Lodi -Woodbridge Winegrape Commission, San Joaquin County Supervisor Ken Vogel and other citizens. They recognize that the loss of the Nature Area would be a blow to a rare recreational opportunity in this region. Possible Funding Sources: Up to $1,861,970 in State of California Proposition 84 bond funds requested. Additional Documents List (If applicable): Letters of support, photographs of site conditions and uses. Congressional District(s) and Member(s): District 11, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney. County or Counties: San Joaquin MOKELUhtNE N\ V 'I V R S H F STENi'AR1)SH I N S T F F R I N G Lange Twins Estat Vino Farms .:irxsi,V�.� Mohr-Fry Ranches Rossini Farms Lodi Lake Docents Friends of Lodi Lake Sierra Club San Joaquin Cour Resource Conserva District San Joaquin Farm Bi Federation California Farm Bur Federation Woodbridge irrigation East Bey Municipal District Lodi Woodbridge Wine Commission Western Ag Apprah Woodbridge Golf and Club U. C. Cooperative Ext( City of Lodi City of Lodi Public V City of Lodi Parks Recreation San Joaquin County 0 Education San Joaquin Cour Agricultural Commis: San Joaquin Cour Department of Public San Jo_agkiin WdVM M, and Vector Control D California Department and Game Ad hoc Members Marden Wilbur Murphy Creek Restos Project California Native P Society Sloughhouse Resoi Conservation Distr Cosumnes River Task U.S Fish and Wildlife U.S. Army Corps Engineers Choir: Brad Kissl Vice -Chair: Apron Lange Watershed Coordinator: John Brodie November 6,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, We are writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee has been working to help the community improve the Watershed since 1999. The improvements proposed to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area are vital to the con- tinued improvement to the watershed, and can be a critical educational tool for information about erosion control, non-native invasive species, and overall wa- tershed stewardship. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Even more rare is that the area is open to the public. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerely, ,.r Brad Kissler, Chair SAN JOAQ—UIN COUNTY RESOURCE CONSERVATION D I S T R I C T 3422 West Hammer Lane Suite A Stockton, CA 95219 (209) 472-7127 Ext. 125 WWW.SJCRCD.ORG November 6,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, I m writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The San Joaquin county Resource Conservation District (SJCRCD) oversees the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Steering Committee. The Committee has been working to help the community improve the Watershed since 1999. The improvements proposed to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area are vital to the continued improvement of the watershed, and can be a critical educational tool regarding erosion control, non-native invasive species, and overall watershed stewardship. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the SJCRCD urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerely, Bill Koster, President Officers and Directors William Koster (President), Molly Watkins (Vice President), Jack Hamm (Treasurer), Richard Rodriquez, John Thoming, Patrick Connofly, John Herrick, Diego Olagaray, Marden Wilber Associate Directors Ralph Lucchetti, Rogene Reynolds, Brad Lange November 3, 2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, snnuua� r�alv�� I am writing in support of the City of Lodi's application for California River Parkways and urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. Though writing on behalf of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association, for which I volunteer as president of the board of directors, my concern for the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area touches on both my professional life and personal interests. The Sandhill Crane Festival, now in its 12'x' year, provides tours of the riparian habitat of the Nature Area as part of its annual event. Each year, when visitors from other communities see the wonderful resource we have there, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to enjoy this special place for both people and wildlife. As director of a public zoo serving the San Joaquin County area, I am strongly interested in promoting the stewardship of nature, whether locally, regionally or internationally. The Lodi Lake Park Nature Area provides experiences for area families and students that advance their knowledge of the world around us and, at the same time, encourage an environmental stewardship ethic. On a personal level, my wife and I enjoy walking in the Nature Area, canoeing along its banks and observing its rich diversity of plants and animals so very close to home. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat for a diverse range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area Protection Project. Sin4Nieland, �CL-- �� KeBoard Presi e Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Post Office Box 9696 Lodi, California 95241 www.cranefestival.com STATE CAPITOL SACRAMENTO. CA 95814 TEL(916) 651-4014 FAX (916) 327.3523 SENAT0R.COGDILL0SEN.CA.GOV WWW. SEN.CA.GOVICOGDI LL October 29,2008 ku.aliforn a State Senate Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern: DAWCOGDILL SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER FOURTEENTH DISTRICT DISTRICT OFFICES 4974 E. CLINTON WAY, SUITE 100 FRESNO. CA 93727 TEL(559)253.7122 FAX(559)253-7127 1308 W. MAIN ST., SUITE C RIPON, CA 95366 TEL(209)599-8540 FAX (209) 599-8547 am writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants. These grants are vital to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The Lodi Lake Park Nature Area is an important resource not only to the people of my district but for many residents of the northern San Joaquin Valley because of its natural beauty and recreational value. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity, a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, I urge the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. If you have an questions about my support of this project, please call me or my Ripon Deputy District Director, Bob Wiedman, at 209-599-8540. Sincerely, ,�a 4tel Senator Dave Cogdill Senator, 14th District DEC:rIw SEN IOR APARTMENTS October 29,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, I an writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. My group, the Arbor Senor Apartments, has been enjoying the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area for many years. Our residents walk at the lake twice a week and look forward to the outing. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the Arbor Senior Apartments urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerely, fdle--- Patrice Si anagW" Arbor Senior Apartments 115 Louie Avenue Lodi, CA 9524 0 October 29,2008 10/23/2008 14:23 JOHN R. STROH mANp GE4i BOARD OF TRUSTEES MICHAEL MANNA PRESIDENT SAN SOAOklIN COItNTY FRANCIS CROEN VICE PRESIDENT CITY OF RIPON c:F,RALD M. SCHILAER SECRCIARY CITY OF ESC AWN FRANK 0E9ENEbFTT) SAN .IOAQUIN COUNTY ALLAN R, FETTERS CITY OF STOCKTON JACK V. NOW CITY OF I,ODI MARIO "MJ" GRAVINA CITY OT IATHROP ALVIN INMAN SAN .IOaQIJfN COUNTY CHESTER C. MILLER C17Y Of TRACY JACK SNYDER CITY OF MANTF,CA MARC WARMERDAM SAN JOACUIN CDUNTY CHRISTOPHER K. ELFY LEGAL ADVISOR 2099820120 October 22,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 131I Sacramento, CA 95614 To v> horfi it may coneM, SAN JOAQUIN MVGD PAGE 02/02 The San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District (the District) is writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lakc Park Nature Ares from flooding. The District has worked with the City of Lodi re: the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area for many years on several projects, including management of exotic weeds. performing mosquito. control and prevention, and assisting the Nature Area Advisory Committee with environmental studies. Beca.usc of rlumorous existing aquatic sites within the na.tvrr; area and park that produce disease-tranmlitting mosquitoes. we are quite concerned about conditions that could increase the amount of standing water and ultimately contribute to increased mosquito development. As the riverbank between the Mokelunine River and the 11ature area erodes. the threat of localized flooding becomes imminent. Localized floodingwill undoubtedly contribute to seepage water entering low-lying lands within the forested area, creating stagnant water conditions tliat will produce mosquitoes, thus increasing the potential spread of West Nile virus and other endemic mosquito -borne diseases to residents, visitors and wildlife. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Arca and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the District urgcs the Resources Agency to fully fund t.hc, Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerei John R. Stroh Mana ,cr 7759 SOUTH AIRPORT WAY: STOCKTON. CALIFORNIA 95206-3918 (209) 9$2-4675 . FAX (log) 982-0120 LODI UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Curriculum Department 1305 E. Vine St. Lodi, CA. 95242 October 22,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, I write this letter in strong support of the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from flooding. Since 1986, Lodi Unified School District has worked in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department of Lodi to develop, manage, and educationally utilize the nature area connected to Lodi Lake Park along the Mokelumne River. Cooperative efforts have included formalization of a self - guided trail with 22 interpreted stops, organization of a docent program that has been in continuous service for the past 20+ years, production of a 105 page Nature Study Manual utilized by docents, teachers, and the general public, and assistance in the general management of the 58 acre nature area in the riparian corridor along the Mokelumne River. In addition to its value educationally to the school districts in the surrounding area, and its educational and recreational value to the citizens in this part of the central valley, the Nature Area on the eastern side of Lodi Lake Park is vital to the wildlife of the area. It has been identified by the San Joaquin Audubon chapter as the premier area within the county to observe the widest range of birds and other wildlife. It is a part of the increasingly dwindling riparian corridor along which migratory animals travel between their breeding grounds and wintering grounds. And, the Lodi Lake Nature Area hosts a wide variety of habitats, including riverbank, meadow, thicket, streamside, riparian forest, and Pig's Lake - a vibrant pond and Wood Duck breeding area 1 nursery. The integrity of Pig's Lake, and surrounding Nature Area, is in imminent danger of flooding due to increasing riverbank erosion. Local funding is not available for a long-term solution. I strongly urge the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Most sincerely, Jay B 11 Science Curriculum Specialist Lodi Unified School District 1305 E. Vine St. Lodi, CA 95242 209.331.7019 VICE CHAIR: LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT COMMITTEES: APPROPRIATIONS HEALTH Ammh1v &fiforztttt glisfafurr ALAN NAKANISHI ASSEMBLYMEMBER, TENTH DISTRICT 0 October 21, 2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To Whom It May Concern: STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249.0010 (916) 319.2010 FAX (916) 319-2110 DISTRICT OFFICE 218 WEST PINE STREET LODE. CA 95240 (209) 333-5330 FAX (209) 333.5333 I am writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The Lodi Lake Park Nature Area is an important resource not only to the people of nay district, but for many residents of the northern San Joaquin Valley. I know this first-hand as a Lodi resident and the city's former mayor. With more and inore of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, I urge the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerely, ALAN NAKANISHI Assemblyman, 10`I' District Printed on Recycled Pape SAID JOAQUIN AUDUBON SOCIETY Wzox 77.5.5 • Stockton, CA 95267 I&VIV. SM goaquhwiidubon.org November 11,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 'l o whom it may concern, I am writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. My group, the San Joaquin Audubon Society, has been enjoying the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area for 40 years. Our club has beginning birding trips to the Nature Area monthly. We also do bird surveys in the area including Christmas bird counts. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the San Joaquin Audubon Society urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Are Protection Project. Sincerely, �} Jerre Murphy, President San Joaquin Audubon Society October 22,2008 209-334-6668 • P.O. Box 2278 • Lodi, Califomia 95241 • www.treelodi.org Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, am writing to support the City of Lodi's applications for California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grants to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. My group, Tree Lodi, has been enjoying the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area since 2006. As an Urban Forestry Foundation, Tree Lodi has been involved with several tree projects within the park and nature area. We have assisted the Parks Division with tree planting projects, tree maintenance and Arbor Day activities. Lodi Lake Park and its riparian forest is a great asset for our citizens now and generations to come. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protectthis California rarity— a 58 -acre riparian forest that provides habitatto a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the (group name) urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Sincerely, Joyce Harmon, President Tree Lodi, Inc. 19 Pinewood Ct. Lodi, CA 95242 All Donations are Tax Deductible Tree Lodi, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID#2810577 October 24,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 To whom it may concern, I an writing to support the City of Lodi's application for a California River Parkways Grant to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. My group, the Lodi Lake Nature Area Docents, has been leading tours in the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area for over 22 years. This community based effort has over the years, led thousands of school groups on interpretive tours through the 58 acre riparian forest, explaining to the children the ecological value ofthe wild life corridor. The docents have always stressed the importance of people's responsibility for the environment, as good stewards and managers. The present situation at Pig's Lake is an example of how nature can best be served through citizens' action: restoration and repair of the levee is now called for! Educational tours aside, the Lodi Lake Nature Area attracts more than 200,000 casual visitors to the area, mainly because of the beauty along its wheelchair accessible nature trails. The San Joaquin Audubon Society lists the park as the premier birding spot in San Joaquin County, with many of the species found in the park using the forest cover for nesting and rearing their young. Loss of this precious habitat would certainly be a loss for the animals that depend on it for survival, but also would be a loss for the many people who visit the area and enjoy the parkland for recreation, education and exercise. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the Ica Lake Nature Area Docents urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the City of Lodi's request. Sincerely, Kathy Gra Lodi Lake Nature Area Docent Since 1988 841 Cardinal St,, Lodi, CA 95240 LODI•WOODBRIDGE WINECRAPE COMMISSION October 23,2008 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth St. Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95614 Dear Resources Agency, I am writing to support the City of Lodi's application for a California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grant to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The Lodi Winegrape Commission (LWC) has worked with the City of Lodi for many years as co -members of the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed Stewardship Committee, which is dedicated to the sustainable management of the river. Lodi Lake Park Nature Area is a critical component of the Lower Mokelumne River system. Furthermore, in partnership with the City, each May LWC presents a very large wine and food festival at Lodi Lake Park Nature area and the health of this nature area is important to the success of the festival. The City of Lodi, with the help of LWC, is considering embarking on a Sustainable Lodi program which would put it at the forefront of California cities in creating a long-term strategy for ensuring a healthy community for its residents. A stable Lodi Lake Park Nature Area would be an important part of the City's plans. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 58 acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, the Lodi Winegrape Commission strongly urges the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Park Protection Project. Sincerely, Cliffor . Ohmart, PhD Sustainable Winegrowing Director Crush District 11, Local Commission 2545 West Tulrnez Road • Lodi, California 95242. Tel: 209-367-4727. Fax: 209-367-0737 www.lodiwine.com• email: lwwc@lodiwine.com Board of Supervisors 222 East Weber Ave Courthouse, Room 701 Stockton, California 95202 Resources Agency Bonds and Grants Unit 1416 Ninth Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA. 05614 To Whom It May Concern: KEN VOGEL Representing the Fourth District October 20,2008 Telephone: (209) 468-3113 Fax: (209) 468-3694 Denise Warmerdam Legislative Assistant I am writing to support the City of Lodi's application for a California River Parkways and Urban Streams Restoration grant to protect the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area from inevitable flooding. The Lodi Lake Park Nature Area is an important resource not only to the people of my district, but for many residents of the northern San Joaquin Valley because of its natural beauty and recreational value. With more and more of the riverbank crumbling each year, there is little time left to protect this California rarity — a 5 8 acre riparian forest that provides habitat to a wide range of plants and animals rarely seen in urban environments. Because of the looming threat to the Lodi Lake Park Nature Area, and the lack of local funding available for a long-term solution, I urge the Resources Agency to fully fund the Lodi Lake Nature Area Protection Project. Should you have any questions regarding my support of this vital project, please do not hesitate to contact me at (209) 468-3113. Thank you. SincereI , Ken Vogel Supervisor District Four Lodi Lake Park NatureArea Protection Project Riverbank erosion Breach is only a matter of time Picture at top, taken last winter by the engineering firm of Kjeldsen, Sinnock and Neudeck, shows the eroded Mokelumne River bank near Pigs Lake in the Lodi Lake Park NatureArea. Picture at bottom shows roughly the same area with summer water levels. '+Z rM, - ,� of +r '�• y� '.,�' '+�' i,." .k ii'x i 'i a of '�'� 1- ' .• _` 4' -.M '4 `h 66 r ,i the Lodi Lake Park Nature •• on • • of f the riverbank is not re- �f; r �•-� users,iaired, this riparian environ- Tient rarely seen near an irban setting will be lost its nany _ • A �eniors, disabled persons .-.milies, school children and .nd others. _i ! I .� �► - . _ wall�w r. .� 1 u r e 2D 3D Road Aerial Bird'=eye labels E 5 �l'Iri�';E"1.7 i h � _ 7. 16 feet of riverbank separate Mokelumne River from tgs 'Lake. _l 20 yds }} a �I�S1•�Ii�j�jF _ s 2J]d Ntresert Ceipere4en L 2p NAWEQ CMD �� is 2_ p'�p�pme4v IMemetiuxl Cory. m # { 1 • s�: 'fir- i 1 • O 5 ` MR y � } r t- 1 E., 1 E nFEi 2009 SJCOG "One Voice" Project Application Please answer the questions below in as much detail as possible. Requesting Entity: City of Lodi 221 W. Pine Street / P.O. Box 3006 Lodi, CA 95240 Contact Person: Blair King, City Manager, (209) 333-6700, bking@lodi.gov Priority: 2 of 2 requests Proiect Name: Interchange Reconstruction at State Route 99 / Harney Lane. Proiect Location: Harney Lane at State Route 99, Lodi, Calif. Description of the Proiect: Reconstruction of the interchange at State Route 99 and Harney Lane is a needed improvement to the SR 99 trade corridor and the regional circulation plan. In recent months, Blue Shield of California has opened a regional customer call center at the intersection's southeast corner, employing more than 900 people, with the potential for another 600. Also, 75 acres of land, just south of Harney Lane and west of State Route 99, has been zoned for future commercial purposes. Substantial sales tax generation is expected from the retail commercial uses at this location. The $30 million project will complete the construction of this State Route 12 bypass route and defer the very expensive widening of SR 12 from 4 to 6 lanes for many years to come. Over $6 million in local funding has already been spent on widening of the bypass route with the remaining locally funded $6 million in improvements scheduled to be completed by 2010. The existing interchange is an outdated design with poor operating conditions resulting in a Level of Service E condition. Advance planning at the local level has already secured most of the required right of way. The Project Study Report and Project Report are in preparation with design scheduled to begin in 2009. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in 2010 and all of the requested appropriation will be committed to the construction phase of the project. Additional funding will be provided by Regional and local development impact fees, local sales tax transportation funds, and the State Transportation Program. The project is regionally significant in that it links the two regional expressway routes of Lower Sacramento Road and Harney Lane to the freeway system at State Route 99. The combination of these expressway and interchange facilities create the functional equivalent to a State Route 12 bypass, thereby, improving the level of service on that state route and extending the acceptable operation for potentially a decade or longer. The project is important to the local and regional economy as a critical linkage of adjacent business office and rental commercial uses to the State Highway system. Total Project Cost: $30 million Amount Requested: $5 million Matching Funds: Funding provided through Measure K Renewal (Local Sales Tax Measure), Regional and Local Traffic Impact Fees, State Transportation Program Funds Prior Federal Funding History: The City made the same $5 million request through the 2008 One Voice trip, but was unsuccessful in securing federal funds. Proiect Justification: Appropriations for this project will be 100% committed to construction. The funds will be matched to create a bypass to State Route 12. A Park `N Ride lot is included in the project as one of many air quality enhancements associated with the project and consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan and the region's Congestion Management Plan. Substantial regional economic benefit will derive from the project in the form of sales tax revenues that will be used to fund other regionally important transportation projects. Budget Breakdown and Total Cost: Total Project Cost: $30 million FY09 Request: $ 5 million Local Match: $25 million Additional Documents List (If applicable): Congressional District(s) and Member(s): District 11, U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney. County or Counties: San Joaquin