Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) to submit an application to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant Program (Flood ER Grant) to obtain financial assistance for a web-based tool for flood forecast mapping of the Salinas River for enhanced planning, coordination, preparedness, and response related to flood emergencies, pursuant and subject to all of the terms and provisions of California Proposition 84, The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality & Supply, Flood Control, River & Coastal Bond Act of 2006 (Section 75032 of Chapter 3 of Division 43 of the Public Resources Code); and,
b. Designate, authorize, and direct the General Manager of the MCWRA, Operations Manager, and Finance Manager III to execute and manage applications, grant documents, and any amendments thereto with DWR, and take such other actions as necessary or appropriate to comply with grant funding requirements. (Staff: Jennifer Bodensteiner)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency adopt a Resolution to:
a. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) to submit an application to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant Program (Flood ER Grant) to obtain financial assistance for a web-based tool for flood forecast mapping of the Salinas River for enhanced planning, coordination, preparedness, and response related to flood emergencies, pursuant and subject to all of the terms and provisions of California Proposition 84, The Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality & Supply, Flood Control, River & Coastal Bond Act of 2006 (Section 75032 of Chapter 3 of Division 43 of the Public Resources Code); and,
b. Designate, authorize, and direct the General Manager of the MCWRA, Operations Manager, and Finance Manager III to execute and manage applications, grant documents, and any amendments thereto with DWR, and take such other actions as necessary or appropriate to comply with grant funding requirements.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant Program (Flood ER Grant) is a state funded program established in part to provide funding for reservoir operators and local agencies to improve their capacity to prepare for and respond to flood emergencies. Following the Salinas River flood events of March 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) began discussions with FlowWest, a science and engineering consulting firm, about developing a type of planning tool that allows rapid viewing of Salinas River flood inundation mapping based on user input of forecasted flows or stages in the Salinas River. If developed, this tool will assist the MCWRA in predicting flooding extents given forecasts of river flow and provide advanced warning to impacted communities.
MCWRA has initiated a scope of work with DWR to improve flood emergency preparedness and response in Monterey County. The MCWRA has identified one critical planning and coordination project eligible for Flood ER Grant funding. This project includes a Salinas River Flood Forecasting Tool (SRFFT) for flood inundation maps which will be created, and a software tool that allows these maps to be used to forecast flooding extent, during a flood emergency. The SRFFT will be a robust tool for informing flood emergency response. The estimated total consultant cost for the project is $275,000. Based on the initial scope, DWR recommended funding of $189,000 with $180,000 dedicated to the project and an additional $9,000 to help cover MCWRA costs related to grant administration.
This resolution authorizes MCWRA to submit an application to the DWR Flood ER Grant to obtain financial assistance for enhanced Salinas River planning, coordination, preparedness, and response related to flood emergencies, and designates MCWRA staff representatives who have the authority to coordinate with DWR and execute documents on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. All anticipated grant awarded monies are included in the upcoming FY 2024-25 Budget and are scheduled for Board of Supervisors of the MCWRA approval.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The MCWRA will coordinate application and reporting efforts with the California Department of Water Resources Program Representatives. County Counsel’s Office have reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
Project funding of $275,000 of which $180,000 will be reimbursable, has been included in the FY 2024-25 Budget for acceptance.
Prepared by: Jennifer Bodensteiner, Associate Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachment:
1. California Department of Water Resources Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant Program, Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package
2. Resolution