Title
Consider recommending that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing entering into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources and authorizing and designating the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to sign a funding agreement for the Weather Modification Pilot Program for Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Recommend that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing entering into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources and authorizing and designating the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to sign a funding agreement for the Weather Modification Pilot Program for Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On January 31, 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (Agency) submitted a proposal to the California Department of Water Resources for funding through the 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program. The proposal was for the Weather Modification Pilot Program for Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds (Project), which consists of a weather modification program using aerial cloud seeding methods and two supporting projects. The two supporting projects are the Weather Station and Rainfall Collection Project for the Weather Modification Pilot Program and the Groundwater Monitoring Well Extension Project for the Weather Modification Pilot Program, both of which will expand data collection and analysis of the primary Project. The purposes of the Project are to augment natural precipitation in the Nacimiento and San Antonio Watersheds for enhanced inflow into the reservoirs. The increase in available reservoir storage will allow more spring and summer releases, especially during the peak irrigation season. The Project benefits will be to the Castroville area where the stored water will be diverted at the Salinas River Diversion Facility (SRDF) for delivery through the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project (CSIP) to offset agricultural groundwater extractions in the 180/400 Foot Aquifer during the peak irrigation season. The released reservoir water will also recharge aquifers in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and contribute to maintaining fish and wildlife habitat along the Salinas River. This Project is a drought resistance measure that will benefit many communities throughout the Salinas Valley, including Disadvantaged and Severely Disadvantaged Communities.
Part of the grant application requires that the Agency provide a resolution from the Board of Supervisors that designates and authorizes the General Manager of the Agency to enter into a funding agreement with the California Department of Water Resources, should grant funds be awarded for the Project.
If the Agency receives grant funding for the Project, staff will return to the Board of Directors and Board of Supervisors for Project approval.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The California Department of Water Resources would be the administrator of the grant if the Project is selected for funding.
FINANCING:
The Agency’s application for the Project requested $4,397,366 in grant funds. The 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief Program requires a 25% cost share, provided from non-state funds, which would total $1,099,335.
Prepared by: Peter Vannerus, Water Resources Engineer, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Lew Bauman, Interim General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Board Order