Title
Consider authorizing negotiations with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency for a funding agreement to fund preliminary activities necessary to commence environmental review for the Interlake Tunnel Project in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million, said funds to be reimbursed to Monterey County if the Project is approved and financed. (ADDED VIA ADDENDUM)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider whether to authorize negotiations with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency for a funding agreement to fund preliminary activities necessary to commence environmental review for the Interlake Tunnel Project in an amount not to exceed $2.5 million, said funds to be reimbursed to Monterey County if the Project is approved and financed.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On the agenda for the Joint Meeting of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors and Board of Directors for June 3, 2014, is an item to consider certain actions relating to the Interlake Tunnel Project, including a request that the Monterey County Board of Supervisors authorize negotiations for a funding agreement to undertake preliminary activities to commence environmental review. The request is for an amount not to exceed $2.5 million, which would be repaid if the Project is approved and financed. Please refer to the Board Reports for the Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors and Board of Directors item for further information on the Project.
This item would authorize County staff to negotiate the requested funding agreement, which would return to the Board of Supervisors of both the County and Agency for final approval.
This action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Guidelines section 15262.
OPTIONS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION:
The Board may: 1) authorize the negotiation of the funding agreement; 2) decline the request to negotiate an agreement; or 2) continue the item to obtain further information if desired.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The CAO's office and County Counsel's office have reviewed this Board Report and the companion items for the Agency.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact directly associated with this item. Financing for the funding agreement will be presented if the matter is negotiated and returned to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
Prepared by: Approved by:
Leslie J. Girard Nick Chiulos
Chief Assistant County Counsel Assistant CAO
cc: Lew Bauman, CAO
David Chardavoyne, WRA General Manager
Dewayne Woods, Assistant CAO
Michael Miller, Auditor - Controller
Robert Johnson, Assistant Agency General Manager