Title
Consider recommending that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to receive $77,727 in funding for the Invasive Mussel Prevention to Preserve Boating Access at Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs project; and authorizing the General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain the funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. (Presenter: Marinn Browne)
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 the Monterey County Water Resources Agency to enter into an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to receive $77,727 in funding for the Invasive Mussel Prevention to Preserve Boating Access at Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs project; and authorizing the General Manager, or designee, to execute the agreement and any amendments thereto, and to submit any required documents, invoices, and reports required to obtain the funds on behalf of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In May 2025, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (“Agency”) submitted a grant application with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”) to receive $77,727 in funding for the “Invasive Mussel Prevention to Preserve Boating Access at Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs” project (“Project”). CDFW issued a Notice of Award on August 5, 2025.
This grant program through CDFW is intended to support one-time costs that advance invasive mussel prevention efforts. The grant’s purpose is to prevent overland spread of invasive mussels from infested waters, prevent the introduction of invasive mussels to waters of California where they have not been detected, maintain public access for recreational boating, and improve access to recreational boating opportunities.
The Agency’s grant application was developed with input from the County of Monterey’s Public Works, Facilities, and Parks department - Parks Division, and the County of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works department. Both entities are partners with the Agency in developing, implementing, and enforcing procedures to prevent the introduction of invasive quagga, zebra, and golden mussels into Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs.
Project implementation will begin following completion of an agreement with CDFW and is expected to occur over the course of approximately 18 months. The Project includes equipment purchases to maintain reliable access to the Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination System for vessel inspectors; funds to retain the services of mussel detection canines; enhancement of boat launch ramp facilities at Nacimiento Reservoir; and education and hands-on training for Agency staff with an identified need for Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Training.
This project is consistent with the following goals and strategies from the Agency’s 2020 Strategic Plan: Goal C, Strategy 2: Obtain new funds to support the Agency’s programs and projects that are either underfunded or unfunded so that all programs and projects will have enough staffing and other resources to be successful; and Goal C, Strategy 6: Pursue grant funding and cost saving opportunities from all available sources, including collaborating with the GSA.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff from the County of Monterey’s Parks Division, part of the Public Works, Facilities, and Parks department, and the County of San Luis Obispo’s Public Works department provided input on the application for these grant funds. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is providing the grant funds.
FINANCING:
Funding for this agreement is provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife through the Boating Access Grant Program - Invasive Mussel Response, which is not included in the FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget. The total amount estimated for this agreement in the current fiscal year is $40,000 in expenses and $40,000 in grant revenue. Fund 116 FY 2025-2026 Adopted Budget appropriations may not be sufficient to cover this agreement, so a budget amendment will be requested for additional expense and revenue after the grant agreement is executed.
Prepared by: Amy Woodrow, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Ara Azhderian, General Manager, (831)755-4860
Attachments:
1. Board of Supervisors Resolution
2. Board Order