Title
Approve an Intellectual Property Rights Transfer Agreement with the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Inc. for an updated flood model of the Salinas River, and authorize the General Manager to execute the Agreement. (Staff: Ara Azhderian)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency:
Approve an Intellectual Property Rights Transfer Agreement with the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Inc. for an updated flood model of the Salinas River, and authorize the General Manager to execute the Agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Following the Salinas River flood events of March 2023, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Inc. engaged Flow West to update the Hydrologic Engineering Center River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) model developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and to analyze those events to help inform future decisions regarding the channel maintenance of the Salinas River. The Water Resources Agency participated in the effort by providing technical review and advice. Upon completion of the HEC-RAS model update, the Grower-Shipper Association requested the Agency assume control of the model in order to provide public access, periodic updates, and other potential improvements, such as future storm event forecasting. Given the Agency’s ongoing reservoir operations and flood management responsibilities in the Salinas River, as well as its collaboration with the Resources Conservation District of Monterey County on the Stream Maintenance Program, it is appropriate for the Agency to receive the updated model, maintain it, and provide access to its analytical capabilities to affiliated agencies and the public.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
FINANCING:
None
Prepared and Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Intellectual Property Transfer Agreement
2. Board Order