Title
a. Update on the status of the 2017 Winter Storm damage repair projects, including status of funding, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements, and 2018 winterization.
b. Provide direction on project priorities with available funding.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive summary report regarding 2017 Storm Repairs, including status of funding, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursements, and 2018 winterization.
b. Provide direction on project options to address storm related repairs.
SUMMARY:
Total estimated damage from 2017 Winter Storms is over $50 million. The Board approved use of up to $16.8 million from the Strategic Reserve to assist with the initial emergency repairs due to 2017 Winter Storms. RMA used an additional $3 million from Road Funds to address emergency services and repairs during that period. A separate report is being presented to the board to provide a status report on the Road Fund.
RMA presented the Board with a list of projects from January 2017 storms that would be completed using the allocated funding. Subsequent storms in February more than doubled the damages/costs resulting in more work than funding. With many competing priorities for the use of limited resources and increased pressures on Road Funds, RMA adjusted the project list to address the most urgent needs (Attachment D, Project List). For example, necessary work on the Pajaro Sewer and San Jerardo Water Supply were approved that required shifting funding from projects that had been previously identified for funding.
RMA completed and submitted 50 project worksheets to FEMA requesting reimbursements totaling 20.7 million for costs incurred and projected repair costs. FEMA has approved approximately $16.3 million in eligible expenses that can be reimbursed as projects are completed. In addition, FEMA indicated that costs from additional damage this winter may not be approved unless there are efforts to winterize the damaged areas. Staff reviewed the sites and determined that winterization would not prevent further damage and the limited funding was more critical to use towards projects.
This report updates the Board on the status of the winter storms projects of 2017, the amount of funds expended, requested and approved for reimbursement from FEMA along with winterization of County roads. Staff seeks Board direction to either proceed with the program as currently presented or direction to amend the list/program.
DISCUSSION:
The Resource Management Agency Public Works & Facilities (RMA) has provided Appendix A - Report Discussion and Appendix B - Report Finance to update the Board on the status of the 2017 Winter Storm Repairs, status of funding for these projects, FEMA reimbursement and 2018 winterization. The attached Appendices provide detailed information regarding the initial estimate of damages, actual costs and the process for reimbursement from FEMA.
In addition, information is provided explaining the disbursement of the $16.8 million approved by the Board from the Strategic Reserve to assist with the initial emergency repairs as well as the estimated amount to finish these repairs and the possible consequences of not completing this work.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of Emergency Services (OES), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) have been involved in the Winter Storm projects to date.
FINANCING:
Appendix B explains in detail the disbursement of funds from the Strategic Reserve. In addition, details are provided of the amount of funding required to complete the remaining Winter Storm projects as well as the funds needed to complete the winterization recommended by Cal OES.
Although costs for remaining repairs are still in the process of being determined, it is estimated RMA would need a minimum of $22.8 million to complete the remaining Winter Storm project repairs. Unless the FEMA reimbursement is received and the Board approves it to be appropriated to RMA to support additional Winter Storm project repairs, there are no additional funds in the Road Fund to support further cleanup, remedial action or repair to infrastructure at this time. Some possible options for Board consideration to address Winter Storm related repairs include:
1. Reprioritize funds from future SB1 or Measure X to complete remaining work. However, this option will lead to delay of projects already programed for the current fiscal year. If this option is selected, given the process required to re-program funds staff would request bringing the list directly to the Board of Supervisors, without having to go through Budget Committee and Capital Improvement Committee to expedite the re-programing of funds and avoid further delays. Following approval by the Board, staff will coordinate these changes with the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) and California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) to formalize any changes to the approved project list.
2. Appropriate uncommitted discretionary funds in the amount of $2.1 million from the revenue generated by the cannabis tax revenues or other funds that may be available for winterization recommended by Cal OES.
3. Direct no winterization projects with the potential for further degradation of existing damage. Future reimbursement for FEMA eligible post event damage may be forfeited.
4. Staff will incorporate storm damage areas within the existing project workplan and prioritize work with all existing projects. This option extends the period of time to address damaged areas that were affected by the storms and potentially delays other projects.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action will develop a plan to address the 2017 Winter Storm damage repair projects. The projects discussed in the report would repair and/or reconstruct the County’s infrastructure. These projects support the following Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Initiative below:
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
__ Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Christine Poe, Management Analyst II (831) 755-5399
Approved by: Donald D. Searle, RMA Deputy Director of Public Works and Facilities
Approved by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
The following attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board:
Appendix A - Report Discussion
Appendix B - Report Finance
Attachment A - List of Completed Projects
Attachment B - Cal OES Recommendation Letter
Attachment C - Winterization Projects - Winter Storms of 2017
Attachment D - Cost/Reimbursement Breakdown of FEMA projects