Title
Consider recommending that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the State of California Department of Water Resources to receive $230,000 in funding for the Carmel River Flood Study; and authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain State funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. (Staff Presenting: Amy Woodrow)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency:
Recommend that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the State of California Department of Water Resources to receive $230,000 in funding for the Carmel River Flood Study; and authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain State funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In March 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (“Agency”) coordinated with Senator John Laird’s office to develop a proposal for a study to identify potential mitigation for flooding along the Carmel River near Dampierre Park and Paso Hondo in Carmel Valley. With Senator Laird’s leadership, the July 2023 Assembly Bill 102 designated $230,000 in funding for the Monterey County Water Resources to conduct a Carmel River Flood Study (“Study”).
The Agency is currently working with the California Department of Water Resources (“CDWR”) to develop a funding agreement for the Study. Agency staff has been in communication with other entities who have historically worked along the Carmel River, including the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District and Housing and Community Development, to help identify a consultant who could complete the Study. Once a funding agreement is secured with DWR, the Agency is prepared to enter into a service agreement to begin work on the Study.
The Study is expected to include updates to an existing hydraulic model of the study area; identification of opportunities and constraints for flood control elements; and development of a range of conceptual flood control alternatives for consideration. There is also an element of public outreach and engagement for the Study, which will be coordinated with other County departments, local agencies, and stakeholder groups.
In order to proceed with a funding agreement, CDWR requires a resolution from the Board of Supervisors of the Agency to authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement and any amendments thereto, and to submit documents that may be required as part of the funding agreement (Attachment 1).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County of Monterey Housing and Community Development and the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District have been, and are expected to continue to be, involved with the Study.
FINANCING:
Funding for the full amount of the Study will be provided through an agreement with CDWR, resulting from an earmark under AB 102 Budget Act CS 19.56. The Agency’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget accounts for the estimated Study expense of $230,000 in Fund 111.
Prepared by: Amy Woodrow, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831)755-4860
Attachments:
1. BOS Resolution - Carmel River Flood Study
2. Board Order