For City Council Meeting May 13, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: John Rossi, Interim Utilities Director
Toyasha Sebbag, Assistant to the City Manager
Title
Request City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board to Authorize Staff to Submit a Notice of Interest (NOI) and Subsequent Full Application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for up to $7 Million in Federal Funding Through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to Support the Resilient Power Infrastructure for Critical Water Facilities Project. (ACTION)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority (RUA) Board to Authorize staff to submit a Notice of Interest (NOI) and subsequent full application to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for up to $7 million in federal funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to support the Resilient Power Infrastructure for Critical Water Facilities Project.
BACKGROUND
The HMGP, administered by Cal OES in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides funding to local governments, special districts, and eligible non-profits to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures that reduce the risk of future disasters.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The proposed Resilient Power Infrastructure for Critical Water Facilities Project seeks federal funding to install permanent backup generators at seven critical water system facilities. These generators will ensure a continued potable water supply during emergency power outages, extended Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events, and wildfire-related disruptions. The targeted sites include:
1. City Well 2
2. Chino Well 2
3. Rialto Well 3
4. Booster Pump 1 Treatment Plant
5. Cactus Reservoir Booster Pump 5
6. City Well 4a
7. City 4a Booster 3a-1
The HMGP provides 75% federal funding, with the remaining 25% required as a local match. RUA anticipates securing this match through state grants or capital improvement funds.
The full HMGP application process can take up to three years. It begins with submitting a Notice of Interest (NOI) through the Cal OES Engage Portal. If selected to proceed, the City will be invited to submit a comprehensive application that includes:
• A detailed project description and scope
• Cost estimates and budget
• Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)
• Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) documentation
• Proof of compliance with federal procurement standards (2 CFR 200)
Cal OES will review the application and, if eligible, forward it to FEMA for final approval and funding obligation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This request is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Approval of the proposed action also complies with the following City of Rialto Guiding Principles, General Plan Goals and Policies:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
On May 28, 2024, the City Council/Rialto Utility Authority Board approved Contract Amendment No. 3 with Soto Resources for additional grant writing support. The cost to submit the NOI to Cal OES is covered under this existing contract, with no additional impact to the operating budget.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
Approving this action has no impact to the RUA capital improvement budget.
Licensing
A Business License application and payment of a Business License tax is not required for this action.