Subcommittee approves 25-year no-rent State Lands lease for SFPUC project, OKs $57,500 property acquisition for Irvington Tunnel

The Budget & Finance Subcommittee advanced two items related to San Francisco Public Utilities Commission projects: a 25-year no-rent lease from the California State Lands Commission for a portion of San Francisco Bay (covering areas in Alameda and San Mateo counties) to allow construction of water system improvements (CUW 36801), and authorization to acquire property for $57,500 for the Irvington Tunnel Project.

John Updike, assistant director of real estate, told the committee the lease is provided at no cost to SFPUC and that staff is securing the maximum rights the State Lands Commission can deliver. He said staff expects that when the lease expires in 2035, an appropriate authorization mechanism or new lease will be available. Updike described a temporary construction easement and a permanent easement on property near I-680 in Fremont and said an appraisal set acquisition value at $50,800 while the proposed settlement is $57,500. He added that sequential analysis and general plan referrals have been completed for both projects.

The clerk noted CEQA findings and relevant city planning code sections for the actions. The chair opened public comment and, seeing none, the committee approved both items without objection and advanced them to the full Board agenda on 06/08/2010.

Why it matters: The lease and easement approvals clear legal and property steps for SFPUC infrastructure work affecting the Bay and adjacent land; the acquisition amount and lease term are administrative but necessary to proceed with construction and environmental compliance.

What happens next: Both items will be listed for Board consideration on June 8.