To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: GREG KAPOVICH, WATERFRONT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
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ADOPT BY TITLE ONLY RESOLUTION NO. 2511-088 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA DIRECTING STAFF TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION TO THE CALIFORNIA DIVISION OF BOATING AND WATERWAYS FOR A BOAT LAUNCHING FACILITY GRANT FOR MOTORIZED BOATS AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE APPLICATIONS, CONTRACTS, AGREEMENTS, AND AMENDMENTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THE GRANT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is seeking authorization from the City Council to approve a resolution to apply for a boat launching facilities (BLF) grant from the State of California’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) to fund the design and construction of a public boat launch on Mole D. The application deadline is February 2, 2026 and requires an identified preferred location for the public boat launch as part of the submittal package. On November 4, 2025, the City Council voted unanimously to direct staff to draft a resolution to apply for the BLF grant using Option E as the preferred location.
Staff recommends that City Council approve the Resolution to confirm the direction given at the November 4, 2025 meeting and formally begin the grant application process.
BACKGROUND
Unlike many regional harbors, King Harbor has historically been without a public boat launch, instead relying on boat hoists. Since 1959 the City has examined over 20 potential locations across Moles A, B, C, and D to build a public boat launch in accordance with direction from the Coastal Commission and, more recently, to satisfy the requirements of Measure C. Measure C is a 2017 voter initiative that placed an emphasis on recreational improvements to the King Harbor Marina, inclusive of a public boat launch. Measure C not only requires that a boat launch be constructed prior to any other new significant development in the waterfront, but it stipulates that the ramp must include two lanes, 60 trailer parking spaces, be located a safe distance from the hand launch, not reduce the number of boat slips in the marina, operate in normal surge conditions, avoid locations where waves overtop the break wall, and is designed to meet minimum DBW design standards for boat launch ramps.
The Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) funds the design, permitting, and construction of new boat launch ramps through the Boat Launch Facilities Grant. To qualify for the 2026/2027 grant application cycle, a completed application must be submitted to DBW by February 2, 2026. The application submittal package requires a resolution from City Council authorizing staff to apply for the grant. The application also requires an identified preferred location for the proposed boat launch.
At its November 4, 2025 meeting, the City Council unanimously selected Option E as the preferred location for a boat launch, which has been included as an attachment for reference. In addition, the Harbor Commission unanimously supported Option E at its October 13, 2025 meeting
Staff recommends City Council adopt the attached Resolution formally authorizing staff to apply for the grant funding from DBW. As part of the application submittal package, staff will submit Option E as the preferred location for the public boat launch.
COORDINATION
The proposed Resolution was prepared in coordination with the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The pre-planning and conceptual design work for the new boat launch facility performed by Moffat and Nichol was funded as part of the City’s Capital Improvement Budget. Funding for the permitting and construction costs associated with installation of the new ramp would be provided by DBW, if the City is selected for a Boat Launching Facilities Grant award.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Reso - No. 2511-088 Directing Staff to Apply for the DBW BLF Grant
• Preferred Boat Launch Location (Option E)