Title
Consider receiving an update on the status of the State Water Resources Control Board’s preliminary award of a Proposition 1 grant for well destruction.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Water Resources Agency Board of Directors:
Receive an update on the status of the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) preliminary award of a Proposition 1 grant for well destruction.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On October 18, 2019, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) received notice from the SWRCB of preliminary approval to fund a project through the Proposition 1 Groundwater Grant Program for the destruction of abandoned wells in the coastal region of the Salinas Valley (Attachment 1). The project was conditionally approved for funding with a preliminary grant award of up to $7,348,000 and a project total cost of $9,197,332.
The MCWRA’s original grant proposal assumed a 20% cost share match against the total project cost based on the potential benefits to disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities. These community designations receive a higher proportional grant award which results in a lower cost share match requirement.
Based on new income data analysis completed in December 2019, the results of a Medium Household Income Survey (MHIS) has been determined that although the project still benefits a severely disadvantaged community, most the benefits occur to a community that is not disadvantaged, increasing the required match percentage.
The MCWRA and the SWRCB are discussing revisions to the Draft Agreement (Attachment 2) to meet the project goals and required cost share match.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
State Water Resources Control Board
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact for receiving this report.
Prepared by: Howard Franklin, Senior Hydrologist, (831) 755-4860
Approved by: Brent Buche, General Manager, (831) 755-4860
Attachments:
1. SWRCB Notice of Preliminary Grant Award
2. Draft Agreement
3. Board Order