Title
Consider recommending that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing entering into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources and authorizing and designating the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to sign a funding agreement for the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project Well Rehabilitation and Replacement Project.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Recommend that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing entering into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources and authorizing and designating the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to sign a funding agreement for the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project Well Rehabilitation and Replacement Project.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On January 31, 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (Agency) submitted a proposal to the California Department of Water Resources for funding through the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program. The proposal was for the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project (CSIP) Well Rehabilitation and Replacement Project (Project), which consists of three separate projects: rehabilitation of one CSIP supplemental well and replacement of two CSIP supplemental wells. The purposes of the Project are to improve the resiliency of CSIP infrastructure and increase the amount of groundwater that can be produced from CSIP supplemental wells during times of high demand or when surface water or recycled water supplies are diminished, as may occur during times of drought.
Part of the grant application requires that the Agency provide a resolution from the Board of Supervisors that designates and authorizes the General Manager of the Agency to enter into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources, should grant funds be awarded for the Project.
If the Agency receives grant funding for the Project, staff will return to the Board of Directors and Board of Supervisors for Project approval, including a CEQA finding.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The California Department of Water Resources would be the administrator of the grant if the Project is selected for funding.
FINANCING:
The Agency’s application for the Project requested $4,302,500 in grant funds. The 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Program requires a 25% cost share, provided from non-state funds, which would total $1,075,625. However, the Agency requested a waiver of the required cost share because the Project provides at least 50% of the primary benefit to Underrepresented Communities, specifically the Disadvantaged and Severely Disadvantaged Communities in and around Castroville and Salinas, CA, as permitted by the grant program.
Prepared by: Amy Woodrow, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Lew Bauman, Interim General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Board order