Title
Recommend that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation to receive $266,955 in funding for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds Weather Modification project;
b. Authorize a release of $125,000 from the Compensated Absences Assignment BSA 116 3115 to use as matching funds; and
c. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and up to two term extension amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain federal funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. (Staff: Amy Woodrow)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors recommend the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation to receive $266,955 in funding for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds Weather Modification project;
b. Authorize a release of $125,000 from the Compensated Absences Assignment BSA 116 3115 to use as matching funds; and
c. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and up to two term extension amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain federal funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In August 2024, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (“Agency”) submitted a grant application with the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation (“USBR”) to receive $266,955 in funding for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds Weather Modification project.
The Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds Weather Modification Project (“NSW-WMP”) aims to further evaluate initial analyses suggesting that cloud seeding could increase precipitation from 9% to 17% percent in the Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds.
The grant scope includes an updated hydrologic analysis of current and projected water availability and needs using established hydrologic modeling that considers various augmentation strategies that deploy cloud seeding approaches; evaluation of environmental permitting and compliance needs and produce documents to comply with California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”) requirements; and development of a Public Engagement Plan and a Water Strategy Document that encapsulates the information gained about the proposed project and provides an implementation strategy for executing a NSW-WMP pilot project, should the Agency choose to move forward with a project in the future.
As part of the grant agreement process, USBR requires a resolution from the Board of Supervisors of the Agency that authorizes receipt of the grant funds (Attachment 1).
This action is consistent with the Agency’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, specifically Goal B, Strategy 7 - Use data and analysis to make informed decisions based on science; and, Goal C, Strategy 6 - Pursue grant funding and cost saving opportunities from all available sources, including collaborating with the GSA.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Funding for the NSW-WMP is provided in part by USBR.
FINANCING:
In March 2015, Agency’s Boards approved an assignment of $125,000 in BSA 116 3115 for Agency’s future efforts in weather modification projects.
The grant provides funding for approximately 50% of the NSW-WMP and requires 50% of the project being funded with local match funds, which is estimated at $262,404. The Agency plans to use in-kind staff effort on eligible activities ($87,472) and contracted services of $174,932 for cost share, which will be financed by a release of $125,000 from the Compensated Absences Assignment BSA 116 3115 and Fund 116 Unassigned Fund Balance.
The FY25 Adopted Budget of Fund 116 includes estimated expense of NSW-WMP and has sufficient appropriations to pay for the agreement.
Prepared by: Amy Woodrow, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. BOS Resolution - NSW Weather Modification Grant
2. Board Order