Title
Authorize the Department of Emergency Management to receive an award from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant in the amount of $162,750 with a 2-year performance period, to obtain financial assistance to conduct flood response planning and preparedness activities and procure flood fighting response equipment.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Department of Emergency Management to receive an award from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant in the amount of $162,750 with a 2-year performance period, to obtain financial assistance to conduct flood response planning and preparedness activities and procure flood fighting response equipment.
DISCUSSION/SUMMARY:
On April 24, 2024, per Resolution No. 24-059, the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors authorized the Department of Emergency Management to submit an application for financial assistance to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) under the Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant. This application resulted in an award of $162,750 to the Department of Emergency Management with a two-year performance period upon acceptance of the award. The Department of Emergency Management requests authorization to receive the award of $162,750, funded by grant revenue from DWR.
The Department of Emergency Management is taking strides to bolster public safety capabilities to protect critical infrastructure and respond efficiently and effectively to threats and hazards caused by winter storms and flooding. The County is responsible for updating, maintaining, and implementing the Winter Storm Response Plan, an annex to the Monterey County Operational Area Emergency Operations Plan. The Winter Storm Response Plan (“The Plan”) update consists of evaluating current capabilities, aligning other relevant plans, reviewing lessons learned from past storms, and researching best practices, regulations, and technologies to enhance the plan's effectiveness. They outline clear protocols, roles, and responsibilities for emergency response teams, streamlining communication channels and reviewing lessons learned from past storms to anticipate and address evolving flood risks.
Staff will identify and procure sustainable, eco-friendly, innovative equipment and materials that minimize environmental impact while maximizing effectiveness in flood fighting efforts. By investing in eco-friendly solutions, such as reusable barriers, the project aims to reduce the ecological footprint of flood response operations, reduce post-flood debris, cost efficiency, and promote sustainable practices in emergency management. These eco-friendly technologies align with environmental protection goals and enhance the resilience of flood control measures, ultimately improving flood emergency preparedness, reducing flood risks to critical infrastructure, and mitigating the adverse consequences of flooding on communities and ecosystems.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Department of Emergency Management will coordinate applications and reporting efforts with DWR Program representative. Monterey County Public Works, Facilities, and Parks, Office of the County Counsel and Office of the Auditor-Controller’s office have reviewed and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant award total is $162,750 and does not require local match funds. The grant provides reimbursable funding of $162,750 for eligible expenses incurred by DEM. DEM plans to hire a consultant to conduct planning efforts and procure flood fighting equipment ($162,750) spread across the 2-year grant performance period The remaining reimbursable funding and staff labor will be incorporated into future budgets through the end of the grant terms. The grant is reimbursement-based, and the Management and Administration is provided at 5%.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
X Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Andrea Estrada, Management Analyst II, x1983
Approved by: Kelsey Scanlon, Director of Emergency Management, x1902
Approved by: Nick Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer, x5145
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution
Attachment B: Award Letter