BILL ANALYSIS Ó
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1374|
|Office of Senate Floor Analyses | |
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1374
Author: Lara (D)
Amended: 4/5/16
Vote: 21
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 4/12/16
AYES: Pavley, Allen, Hertzberg, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Wolk
NOES: Stone, Vidak
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 5-1, 5/27/16
AYES: Lara, Beall, Hill, McGuire, Mendoza
NOES: Bates
NO VOTE RECORDED: Nielsen
SUBJECT: San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and
Mountains Conservancy: stormwater capture projects
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST: This bill requires the San Gabriel and Lower Los
Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy to identify projects,
as specified, to maximize the capture of stormwater along the
Lower Los Angeles River.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
1)Establishes the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and
Mountains Conservancy (RMC) which includes the San Gabriel
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River and Lower Los Angeles River watersheds. The Lower Los
Angeles Rivers is downstream of the border between the Cities
of Los Angeles and Vernon.
2)Directs the RMC, among other things and subject to certain
limitations, to preserve open space and habitat, as specified,
provide for low-impact recreation and educational uses,
wildlife habitat restoration and protection, water
conservation, and watershed improvements within its
jurisdiction.
This bill requires the RMC to identify projects, as specified,
to maximize the capture of stormwater along the Lower Los
Angeles River.
Background
In the early 1990s, community activism over turning a railyard
adjacent to the Los Angeles River into open space coincided with
Los Angeles County beginning a process that - after considerable
community outreach and stakeholder input - resulted in the
County's Los Angeles River Master Plan (Master Plan) in 1996.
The Master Plan described how economic growth could be spurred
along the Los Angeles River in the County through zoning changes
and the development of open space, recreational, cultural,
artistic, educational and other opportunities. Ultimately over
several decades, the Master Plan proposed that the Los Angeles
River be returned to a less-polluted, functioning riparian
environment in as many reaches as possible, while still
controlling flooding and providing recreational opportunities.
In 2007, the City of Los Angeles released its Los Angeles River
Revitalization Master Plan that continued the long-term goals of
the Master Plan, and was focused within the City's boundaries.
Numerous federal, state and local public and private efforts are
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underway to achieve the revitalization of the Los Angeles River
and its tributaries. The Lower Los Angeles River Working Group
is working on a revitalization plan for that reach of the Los
Angeles River and the surrounding communities.
In 2014, state voters approved the Water Quality, Supply, and
Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1).
Proposition 1's provisions included funding for stormwater
projects and the RMC, among others.
Related/Prior Legislation
SB 355 (Lara, Chapter 677, Statutes of 2015) modified the
composition of the RMC's board.
SB 485 (Hernandez, Chapter 678, Statutes of 2015) authorized the
Los Angeles County Sanitation District to divert, manage, treat
and discharge stormwater and dry weather runoff and make
beneficial use of the water, as specified.
AB 530 (Rendon, Chapter 684, Statutes of 2015) established the
Lower Los Angeles River Working Group to develop revitalization
plans, as specified.
SB 985 (Pavley, Chapter 555, Statutes of 2014) authorized the
development of a stormwater resource plan to identify and
prioritized stormwater and dry weather runoff capture projects
for implementation, as specified, among other provisions.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal
Com.:YesLocal: No
According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, there are
unknown, but potentially significant, costs to the RMC.
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SUPPORT: (Verified5/27/16)
The Trust for Public Land
OPPOSITION: (Verified5/27/16)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, "[w]hile the
Lower Los Angeles River serves an important purpose as a flood
protection and control channel, it also presents a unique
opportunity for open space, urban greening, and as a water
resource for the region. With numerous recent developments,
including the creation of a Lower Los Angeles River Working
Group to develop a revitalization plan, the City's Los Angeles
River Revitalization Master Plan, and multiple conversations
about a new vision for the river, there is a growing local
interest in rejuvenation of the river.
"The recently approved Proposition 1 included $200 million for
multi-benefit stormwater management projects, including projects
to promote green infrastructure. These projects can reduce the
discharge of pollutants into storm drains and waterways, while
also recharging groundwater aquifers, and providing outdoor
recreational space.
"The intent of this bill is to promote opportunities for
stormwater projects on the Lower Los Angeles River by directing
the [RMC] to identify projects that would maximize the capture
of stormwater along the river."
Prepared by:Katharine Moore / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116
5/28/16 16:46:09
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