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Exhibit B CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S ENABLING LEGISLATION: The proposed project is consistent with Chapter 4.6 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code, Sections 31170 to 31174 regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program and funding for recreational opportunities and trails within the Santa Ana River region. All citations in this section are to the Public Resources Code unless otherwise stated. The Santa Ana River region includes lands within one -half -mile on either side of the Santa Ana River or its tributaries (Section 31172(c)). The proposed project is located on the Santa Ana River in the City of Santa Ana. Section 31173 states that the Conservancy may undertake projects and award grants to public agencies to help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program, including recreational opportunities and trails, and wildlife habitat and species restoration, enhancement, and protection (Section 31173(a)). It further states that the Conservancy may undertake projects for public access to, enjoyment of, and enhancement of recreational and educational experience on program lands in a manner consistent with the protection of land and natural resources and economic resources in the area (Section 31173(b)). Section 31174(b) requires the Conservancy to prepare the Santa Ana River Parkway and Open Space Plan (Plan), which was approved by the Conservancy in May 2018. The Plan identifies and prioritizes low -impact recreational and open -space needs, including additional or upgraded facilities and parks within the Santa Ana River watershed. This project is identified as a priority project in the Plan as the project will provide a needed upgrade to facilities within the Plan area. Further, the project is consistent with the Plan, as discussed below in the Consistency with Conservancy's Project Selection Criteria & Guidelines section. Section 31174(c) requires the Conservancy to "give priority to river -related projects that create expanded opportunities for recreation, greening, aesthetic improvement, and wildlife habitat along the corridor of the river and in parts of the river channel that can be improved without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control". The proposed project will help achieve the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program by providing recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat restoration on the Trail. The project is a priority because it has river -related features such as the view deck, will expand opportunities for recreation and provide greening, aesthetic improvements, and wildlife habitat along the Santa Ana River without infringing on water quality, water supply, and necessary flood control. The property on which the project is located is owned by the Orange County Flood Control District but is out of the floodplain, adjacent to the top of the flood control levee. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S 2018-2022 STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) & OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 9, Objective C of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will complete final planning for a public access area within the Santa Ana River Parkway. Consistent with Goal 9, Objective D of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will construct public access facilities within the Santa Ana River Parkway. Consistent with Goal 10, Objective C of the Conservancy's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan, the proposed project will enhance natural habitats and open space in the Santa Ana River watershed by restoring native riparian vegetation along the Santa Ana River.