STATE COSTAL CONSERVANCY (STATE OF CALIFORNIA)

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SANTIAGO PARK MAIN STREET CONSTRUCTION The anticipated source of Conservancy funding for this project is a fiscal year 2021-2022 appropriation to the Conservancy from the General Fund for the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program. (The Budget Act of 2021, Section 19.57 as added by SB 170, Chapter 240, Statutes of 2021). This project is consistent with the goals of the Santa Ana River Conservancy program, as discussed in the Consistency with Conservancy's Enabling Legislation section below. 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 et seq. regarding the Santa Ana River Conservancy Program and funding for recreational opportunities and trails within the Santa Ana River region. The Santa Ana River region includes lands on either side of the Santa Ana River or its tributaries (Section 31172(c)). The proposed project is located adjacent to Santiago Creek, which is a tributary of the Santa Ana River. 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 that may be necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. This project meets the criteria for apriority project as detailed in the Plan that will assist in upgrading facilities and parks that are necessary or desirable within the Santa Ana River watershed. 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, and enhancement (Section 31173(a)). Santa Ana River Conservancy Program goals also include 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(c) states that the Conservancy shall "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 awarding a grant to the City of Santa Ana to complete construction for recreational opportunities, trails, and wildlife habitat restoration in Santiago Park. The project will construct expanded opportunities for recreation within the park, and provide greening, aesthetic improvements, and wildlife habitat along Santiago Creek. The separation of trails for pedestrians and bicyclists and improved security lighting will expand and improve the recreational hiking and biking experience within the park. The installation of interpretive elements will also improve the educational experience and provide context for wildlife viewing and enjoyment. Page 5of6