Title
Consider recommending that the Board of Directors:
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation to receive $400,00 in funding for the Enhancing Predictive Tools and Operational Strategies for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams and Reservoirs project;
b. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and up to two term extension amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain federal funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. (Staff Presenting: Peter Kwiek)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Finance Committee of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency recommend that the Board of Directors:
a. Adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation to receive $400,00 in funding for the Enhancing Predictive Tools and Operational Strategies for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams and Reservoirs project;
b. Authorize the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and up to two term extension amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain federal funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In October, 2023, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (Agency) submitted a grant application with the U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Reclamation (“USBR”) to receive $400,000 in funding for the Enhancing Predictive Tools and Operational Strategies for the Nacimiento and San Antonio Dams and Reservoirs project (Project). USBR issued a Notice of Award to the Agency on September 10, 2024.
The Project aims to leverage recent improvements in reservoir modeling and forecasting technology to develop tools to aid in forecast informed operations of the Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs with a long-term goal of maximizing storage of winter inflow while minimizing downstream flood risk.
The grant scope includes an evaluation of existing reservoir operational methods and tools; documentation of Agency decision-making processes to develop operational guidelines; development of updated tools to evaluate operational factors including reservoir inflow, elevation-dependent outlet capacity, joint operation of both reservoirs and the timing and coordination of releases with forecasted flows in the Salinas River.
This action is consistent with the Agency’s Strategic Plan for 2020-2025, specifically Goal B, Strategy 7 - Use data and analysis to make informed decisions based on science; and, Goal C, Strategy 6 - Pursue grant funding and cost saving opportunities from all available sources, including collaborating with the GSA.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Funding for the Project is provided in part by USBR.
FINANCING:
The total Project cost is $545,605 and requires at least 25% be funded with local match funds. The grant provides reimbursable funding of $400,000 or approximately 73% with the remaining 27% or $145,605 to be funded by the Agency. The Agency plans to use in-kind staff effort on eligible activities ($145,605 spread across the 2-year grant term) for cost share. Reimbursable project funding of $230,000 and staff labor effort are included in the approved FY25 budget. The remaining reimbursable funding and staff labor will be incorporated into future budgets through the end of the grant term.
The FY25 Adopted Budget of Fund 116 includes an estimated Project expense and has sufficient appropriations to pay for the agreement.
Prepared by: Peter Kwiek, Associate Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831) 755-4860