Title
Consider receiving an update on the use of the Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model (SVIHM) in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Receives an update on the use of the Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model (SVIHM) in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
There are three ongoing studies or projects in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin) that involve the use of the Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model (SVIHM):
• Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin Investigation (Basin Investigation);
• Salinas and Carmel Rivers Basin Study (Basin Study); and,
• Interlake Tunnel and Spillway Modification Project (Interlake Tunnel Project).
Two additional upcoming projects are also expected to utilize the SVIHM for hydrologic modeling and analysis:
• Habitat Conservation Plan; and,
• Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Monterey County Resource Management Agency; National Marine Fisheries Services; Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency; United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR); United States Geological Survey (USGS)
FINANCING:
The Basin Investigation is funded through a Joint Funding Agreement between Monterey County and the USGS, and by a Proposition 1 Sustainable Groundwater Planning grant ($250,000) administered by the Department of Water Resources (DWR).
The Basin Study is funded through the USBR WaterSMART program, USGS, and matching efforts from the four local partner agencies. The Agency is meeting its contribution through work performed as part of existing programs and projects.
Funding for the development and application of a baseline model for the Interlake Tunnel Project is provided through a ten million dollar grant from DWR.
Funding for the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan has not been specified but will be developed as part of the planning process.
Funding for modeling by the SVBGSA has not been specified at this time. As a member of the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement that formed the SVBGSA, the Agency contributed $20,000 per year for Fiscal Years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 toward initial funding of the SVBGSA, for a total of $40,000 to date.
Prepared by: Howard Franklin, Senior Water Resources Hydrologist (831)755-4860
Approved by: ___________________________________________________
David E. Chardavoyne, General Manager (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. Board Order