Title
Consider a recommendation by the Legislative Committee to adopt a resolution in support of the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund proposals - including Governor Newsom’s budget trailer bill proposal, SB 200 (Monning), and AB 217 (E. Garcia) - which would establish a new State Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to support short and long-term drinking water solutions and programs, such as to support operations and maintenance funding of drinking water treatment and address other critical drinking water needs.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider a recommendation by the Legislative Committee to adopt a resolution in support of the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund proposals - including Governor Newsom’s budget trailer bill proposal, SB 200 (Monning), and AB 217 (E. Garcia) - which would establish a new State Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to support short and long-term drinking water solutions and programs, such as to support operations and maintenance funding of drinking water treatment and address other critical drinking water needs.
SUMMARY
On May 10, 2019, the Legislative Committee met and made a recommendation that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution in support of the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund proposals. Each proposal would establish a new State Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to support short and long-term drinking water solutions and programs, such as to support operations and maintenance funding of drinking water treatment and address other critical drinking water needs. The Board of Supervisors has previously submitted individual support letters on each of these proposals as follows:
• Governor Newsom’s budget trailer bill proposal - March 12, 2019
• SB 200 (Monning) - March 12, 2019
• AB 217 (E. Garcia) - May 14, 2019
DISCUSSION
Drinking water safety and affordability issues affect communities across the state. In Monterey County drinking water contamination is a widespread problem, as is adequate source capacity for many residents especially in disadvantaged communities. Primary drinking water standards for nitrates, arsenic, or fluoride in 235 of the 1,296 systems regulated by the County Environmental Health Bureau exceed primary drinking water standards and require the use of bottled water as an interim emergency measure.
Resolving a contaminated water system is costly and residents and communities often lack the economic means to do so. Despite the history of proactive water policies at the state level, Monterey County residents still face formidable water challenges. Disadvantaged communities disproportionately bear the health and financial impacts of contaminated water or inadequate access to safe water.
Monterey County has been at the forefront of championing solutions to this issue. In 2018, the County became the first county in the nation to recognize the human right to safe and clean drinking water when the Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution that requires County departments to consider this right when implementing policies and regulations pertinent to the uses of water for human consumption, cooking and sanitary purposes.
For years, the State Water Resources Control Board and other policymakers have called for the creation of a sustainable funding source to support safe and affordable drinking water programs, including to ensure public water systems can afford to operate and maintain drinking water treatment systems to address contaminated drinking water; and
The Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund proposals which this Resolution support - the Governor’s budget trailer bill proposal, SB 200 (Monning), and AB 217 (E. Garcia) - would establish a new State Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to support short and long-term drinking water solutions and programs, such as to support operations and maintenance funding of drinking water treatment and address other critical drinking water needs. It is anticipated that these proposals will be voted upon by the State Legislature in the next couple of weeks.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division prepared this report. On May 10, 2019, the Board’s Legislative Committee recommended that the Board adopt this resolution.
FINANCING
Monterey County’s Legislative Program is funded in County Administrative Office-Department 1050; Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division-Unit 8054. Approval of this recommendation will not result in additional General Fund contributions.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
X Public Safety
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Management Analyst III
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant CAO
___________________________________________ ____________________
Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant County Administrative Officer Date
Attachments are on file with the Clerk of the Board
Date: May 15, 2019
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Resolution
Exhibit B. Letter - SB 200 (Monning)
Exhibit C. Letter - Governor’s Safe Affordable Drinking Water proposal
Exhibit D. Letter - AB 217 (E. Garcia))