Title
Consider authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with Coastal Conservation and Research to receive $283,462 in funding for the Regional Adaptation for Climate Resilience of Monterey Bay Coastal Communities Project; and authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute and manage the agreement and any amendments thereto and take such other actions as necessary and appropriate to comply with funding requirements. (Staff Presenting: Amy Woodrow)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency:
Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with Coastal Conservation and Research to receive $283,462 in funding for the Regional Adaptation for Climate Resilience of Monterey Bay Coastal Communities Project; and authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute and manage the agreement and any amendments thereto and take such other actions as necessary and appropriate to comply with funding requirements.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In July 2024, the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation was awarded more than $71 million by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge to “…lead a coalition of 21 partners to implement an extensive program to combat climate change in the Monterey Bay Area” (CMSF, 2024; Attachment 1).
The Monterey County Water Resources Agency (“Agency”) is a partner in the grant coalition and will be working on the Regional Adaptation for Climate Resilience of Monterey Bay Coastal Communities project (“Project”) as a sub-grantee to Coastal Conservation and Research (“CCR”) per the terms of a Cost Reimbursement Subaward (“Agreement”) (Attachment 2).
The Project involves design and upgrades of the slide gate between the Salinas River Lagoon and the Old Salinas River, and floodplain restoration along the Old Salinas River and Tembladero Slough. Agency’s scope of work under the Agreement includes Project administration, permit coordination for the Project, design of slide gate upgrades, and construction of slide gate upgrades. Work related to floodplain restoration will be completed by Central Coast Wetlands Group, a separate subgrantee to CCR.
The term of the Project is from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed the Agreement. The Agency will be partnering with the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Central Coast Wetlands Group, and Coastal Conservation and Research to complete the Project. As the Project progresses, other agencies will become involved for permitting of certain Project elements.
FINANCING:
Funding for the full amount of the Project will be provided through the Agreement with CCR. No matching funds are required from the Agency.
Prepared by: Amy Woodrow, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831)755-4860
Attachments:
1. California Marine Sanctuary Foundation press release
2. Cost Reimbursement Subaward with Coastal Conservation and Research
3. Board Order