Title
Consider adopting a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to enter into a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to accept grant funds for the Protection of Domestic Drinking Water Supplies for the Lower Salinas Valley Project. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a resolution authorizing the Monterey County Water Resources Agency General Manager to enter into a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to accept grant funds for the Protection of Domestic Drinking Water Supplies for the Lower Salinas Valley Project.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
In August 2018, the Agency submitted a concept proposal to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for the destruction of groundwater wells to protect the lower Salinas Valley’s main source of fresh water, the Pressure 400 Aquifer (P400). In November 2018, the Agency was selected as one of the Agencies invited to submit a full proposal for consideration of a grant award under the Proposition 1 Ground Water Quality Grant Program.
The proposed project will protect the lower Salinas Valley’s main source of fresh water, the P400, from seawater and nitrate contamination due to vertical migration between the Pressure 180 Aquifer (P180) and the P400 through destruction of selected abandoned wells. Preventing nitrates and seawater from vertically entering the P400 will protect the water quality of drinking water, provide increased opportunity for recharge and aquifer storage, and help fight the advance of seawater intrusion.
The resolution is required to be included as part of the Agency’s submittal for a grant from the State Water Resources Control Board
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
State Water Resources Control Board-Grant Administrator
Regional Water Resources Control Board Region 3
FINANCING:
Funds required for grant submittal are budgeted for this fiscal year. Funds for grant match, should the Agency receive a grant award for this project, will be identified upon notice of award. The required matching funds from the Agency range between 20% and 50%.
In order to meet the grant submittal deadline of February 18, 2019 this item will not be presented to the Board of Directors but will be presented to the Board of Supervisors on February 12, 2019.
Prepared by: Mark Foxworthy, Associate Water Resources Engineer, (831) 755-8984
Approved by: ____________________________________________________
Shauna Lorance, Interim General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachment:
Draft Resolution