BOARD MEETING DATE: May 5, 2006
AGENDA NO. 14

Approve Funding of Three Additional Air Quality and Public Health-Related Projects from BP/ARCO Settlement Funds

SYNOPSIS:

On April 7, 2006, the Board approved various projects for funding from BP/ARCO Settlement Funds and directed staff to return to Committee for further discussions regarding potential allocation of the balance of $290,000.  On April 14, 2006, the Administrative Committee recommended funding in the amounts of $125,000 for an additional Refinery Inspector; $105,000 for Stationary Source Research & Development Funding in the Technology Advancement Office; and $60,000 for a RFP to select a Consultant to assist with Health Program Management for other selected projects.

COMMITTEE:

Administrative, April 14, 2006, Discussed

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:

1. Approve Funding from BP/ARCO Settlement Funds for:
   1. $125,000 for an additional Refinery Inspector, including a vehicle;
   2. $105,000 for Stationary Source Research & Development Funding in Technology Advancement Office; and
   3. $60,000 for a RFP to select a Consultant to assist with Health Program Management.
2. Authorize the Chairman to execute contracts, from Fund 46, for implementation of Board-approved projects that require contracts.
3. Direct staff to reflect the non-contract Board-approved projects in the June 2006 Budget adoption.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

As part of the BP/ARCO settlement in 2005, $6 million was allocated towards projects that would improve air quality or public health in the areas served by AQMD. 

On April 7, 2006, the Board held a Study Session to review the projects and seek input for funding consideration. At this meeting, the Board approved projects covering a majority of the funding and directed staff to return to Committee for further discussions regarding the balance of available monies.  It was further suggested that the Attachment B list second tier projects be re-examined. On April 14, 2006, Administrative Committee recommended three additional projects for funding from the initial allocation of $6 Million.

Proposal

It is recommended that funding be provided in the amounts of: a) $125,000 for an Additional Refinery Inspector and vehicle for refinery-related work; b) $105,000 for Stationary Source Research & Development Funding in Technology Advancement Office; and c) $60,000 for a consultant to help administer/coordinate various health projects related to $6 Million BP/ARCO Settlement Funding and Public Benefits Program.

Benefits to AQMD

These projects are expected to provide air quality mitigation and public health benefits to residents of impacted areas, including minorities and low-income communities.  In addition, a program consultant will help coordinate/administer both the BP/ARCO Settlement Funding and Public Benefits Program.

Resource Impacts

Funding is available from the BP/ARCO Settlement (Fund 46).