DATE: February 25, 2004
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Sweetwater Loop Trail
SUMMARY:
Overview
In an effort to improve access for the public to both South San Diego
County and East County, a trail has been planned in an 11-mile route completely
circling the Sweetwater Reservoir. The existing trail at the Sweetwater
Reservoir currently does not encircle the Reservoir and consequently provides
only limited recreational opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists and
equestrians. This Sweetwater Loop Trail will link the existing trails
in Bonita to those in Spring Valley, offering regional access to scenic
open space and increased recreational opportunities.
Today's recommendations will appropriate $128,000 that will be used to complete CEQA documentation and secure the necessary environmental permits to begin work on the Sweetwater Loop Trail. Additionally, the funding provides for staff time in the Department of Parks and Recreation. $64,000 of this funding is proposed to be allocated from District 1 Community Project Funding, with the remaining $64,000 from the District 2 Trails Fund.
Recommendations
CHAIRWOMAN DIANNE JACOB AND SUPERVISOR GREG COX:
- Establish Appropriations of $64,000 in Contributions to Capital Outlay Fund (Operating Transfer Out), for trails projects in Sweetwater Summit Park, based on Fund Balance Available in the General Fund (4 Votes).
- Establish Appropriations of $64,000 in the Capital Outlay Fund for Capital Project KN3106, Sweetwater Summit Park, based on an Operating Transfer from the General Fund (4 Votes).
- Allocate $64,000 from the Community Projects budget (0261) to Capital Project KN3106 Sweetwater Summit Regional Park Improvements to complete CEQA documentation and obtain environmental permits for the Sweetwater Loop Trail.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the proposed recommendations is $128,000. The funding
source is $64,000 of District 1 Community Projects funding and $64,000
of District 2 Trails Fund. This action will result in the addition of
no staff years and no future costs.
BACKGROUND:
At the eastern end of the Sweetwater River lies the Sweetwater Reservoir,
formed by the construction of the Sweetwater Dam that was completed in
1888. In addition to providing water storage for the Sweetwater Authority,
the Reservoir offers visitors a serene and scenic destination. The habitat
encircling the reservoir supports a number of critical species, including
the endangered Least Bell's Vireo and the California Gnatcatcher, as well
as vernal pools and several indigenous plant species.
To allow the public access to the area around the Reservoir, almost five miles of trail have been constructed along the south side of the Reservoir with an entrance at San Diego County Sweetwater Regional Park off of San Miguel Road in Bonita. However, the existing trail currently does not encircle the Reservoir and consequently provides only limited recreational opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians.
In an effort to improve access for the general public and residents of
both South San Diego County and East County, a trail has been planned
in an 11-mile route surrounding the Sweetwater Reservoir. This Sweetwater
Loop Trail will link the existing trails in Bonita to those in Spring
Valley, offering regional access to open space and recreation and improved
public amenities.
The Sweetwater Reservoir Loop Trail Preliminary Engineering Report and
Implementation Plan, completed and delivered to the County on June 18,
2003, identified the next steps in completing the Loop Trail project.
A major goal of this Plan is to utilize the existing trails to the fullest
extent possible while minimizing environmental impacts and construction
costs, enhancing usability, and addressing safety concerns where possible.
Today's recommendations will allocate $128,000 that will be used to complete CEQA documentation and to secure the necessary environmental permits to begin work on the Sweetwater Loop Trail. Additionally, the funding provides for staff time in the Department of Parks and Recreation. $64,000 of this funding is proposed to be allocated from District 1 Community Project Funding. Funding being appropriated by District 2 comes from the District 2 Trails Fund, Community Projects funds that have been allocated in previous fiscal years for trail improvements in District 2.
Support for these recommendations will allow the County to move forward with the Sweetwater Loop Trail project, a tremendous recreational resource linking the South and East regions of this County.
We urge your support for this measure!
Respectfully submitted,
DIANNE JACOB
Chairwoman
GREG COX
Supervisor, First District
