Clearlake council authorizes $31.8 million federal request for recreation and aquatic centers

Clearlake — The city council voted unanimously to authorize submission of a joint community project funding proposal asking Congressman Mike Thompson for $31,800,000 to cover roughly 75% of the construction costs for two regional facilities: a recreation center in Clearlake and an aquatic community swim center in Lakeport.

City Manager Flora told the council the request was a follow-up to prior work that secured $2 million for Burns Valley Sports Complex and that staff and partner agencies (Lakeport and the county) recommend a larger ask to improve the projects’ chances in the federal process. “You generally don't get things you don't ask for,” Flora said when outlining the plan to compile the final application, which staff said would be submitted within days (the packet was due Sunday).

The request will be submitted jointly with Lakeport and Lake County; the county board of supervisors had approved a supporting resolution earlier in the week and Lakeport’s council approved a parallel action at a special meeting. Council member Kramer moved to approve Resolution No. 2023‑16 to submit the projects; Council member Slooten seconded and the measure passed with a unanimous vote.

Council member Overton, who spoke in favor of a joint application, said the combined approach strengthens the request’s profile at the federal level. “If you don't ask, you can't get,” Overton said.

Staff cautioned that the federal process is competitive and that Congressman Thompson and his office will review multiple applications; the city manager and staff said they will continue coordinating with the joint powers authority (JPA) and partner agencies on predevelopment and project planning. The council did not adopt any additional local funding commitments at the meeting; Flora said future financing or local voter measures would be considered if the federal funding does not fully cover costs.

Next steps: staff will finalize and submit the application materials and continue JPA discussions on project design and taxpayer obligations if grants do not cover total costs.