Title
a. Approve a 1-year Model Use Agreement (MUA) with Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority to allow the use of a Hydraulic and Sediment Transport Model, which consists of electronic model files as well as other technical documentation. The model would be provided agency-to-agency at no cost to the County, for use by consultants working on an Environmental Impact Report for which Monterey County is lead agency; and
b. Authorize the RMA Director or designee to execute the MUA.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve a 1-year Model Use Agreement (MUA) with Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority to allow the use of a Hydraulic and Sediment Transport Model, which consists of electronic model files as well as other technical documentation. The model would be provided agency-to-agency at no cost to the County, for use by consultants working on an Environmental Impact Report for which Monterey County is lead agency; and
b. Authorize the RMA Director or designee to execute the MUA.
SUMMARY/DISSCUSSION:
Pajaro River Watershed Flood Prevention Authority (PRWFPA) has developed a Hydraulic and Sediment Transport (HEC-RAS) Model as part of its program to identify, evaluate, fund, and implement flood prevention and control strategies in the Pajaro River Watershed. The HEC-RAS Model, which consists of electronic model files with associated input and output data files, as well as other documentation, is intended to be shared among agencies.
The use of the HEC-RAS Model by outside agencies is facilitated through a standard Model Use Agreement (MUA) that was developed by PRWFPA. The MUA limits the use of the HEC-RAS Model to identified projects; in this case it is intended for use in hydrology analysis to be performed by Schaaf and Wheeler Consulting Civil Engineers of Santa Clara, California as part of an Environmental Impact Report on the Miller Trust Commercial Project (PLN060217). Monterey County is the lead agency in the preparation of environmental documents for this project. This HEC-RAS Model is the best available science for Pajaro River floodplain hydrology and sediment transport analysis, and therefore RMA-Planning seeks to use it for this purpose in conjunction with the Miller Trust project. The model could also be used for other projects in the area that require analysis surrounding flooding issues with the Pajaro River, with an MUA amendment. The HEC-RAS Model will be available for use for one (1) year, beginning immediately after the MUA is fully executed.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MAU as to form and legality.
FINANCING:
There will not be an impact to the General Fund. Use of the HEC-RES model has no cost. Staff time associated with this project is funded with revenue from fees that are estimated in the FY19-20 Adopted Budget for RMA-Planning.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This action represents effective and timely response to our RMA customers. Processing this application in accordance with all applicable policies and regulations also provides the County accountability for proper management of our land resources. Development of vacant parcels generates revenue to the County through permit fees and property taxes.
X Economic Development
X Administration
Health & Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Mary Israel, Associate Planner, (831) 755-5183
Reviewed by: Brandon Swanson, RMA Interim Chief of Planning
Approved by: John M. Dugan, FAICP, RMA Deputy Director of Land Use and Community Development
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Attachment A - MUA