Title
a. Approve the recommendation of the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission to provide funding from the Propagation Grant Fund Program, under an emergency basis, for the Monterey Bay Salmon Trout Project (MBSTP); and
b. Approve and authorize a distribution from the Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006 for Fiscal Year 2020-21, in the amount of $14,000, to MBSTP for emergency repairs to the Kingfisher Flat Hatchery and associated infrastructure.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the recommendation of the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission to provide funding from the Propagation Grant Fund Program, under an emergency basis, for the Monterey Bay Salmon Trout Project (MBSTP); and
b. Approve and authorize a distribution from the Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006 for Fiscal Year 2020-21, in the amount of $14,000, to MBSTP for emergency repairs to the Kingfisher Flat Hatchery and associated infrastructure.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
On February 9, 2021, the Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission (Commission) considered a request for $14,000 in emergency funds from the County’s Propagation Grant Fund Program (PGFP) for MBSTP’s rebuilding efforts to repair the extensive damages to the Kingfisher Flat Hatchery (KFH) and associated infrastructure from the 2020 CZU Complex Wildfire [Attachment A-02/09/2021 Commission Agenda Item 6 (Report)].
Though separate from regular PGFP funding administered by the Commission, emergency funding requests are required to meet the same criteria and guidelines for funding, specifically State of California Fish and Game Code Division 10 Revenue, Chapter 2 County, Section 13103 (Section 13103), as detailed in the Report’s attachment B. The Commission found that the request for funds qualifies under Section 13103 (f) related to construction, maintenance, and operation of public hatchery facilities. All PGFP funding requests considered qualified by the Commission are forwarded to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for a final decision on funding.
The KFH facility was completely destroyed by the CZU Complex Wildfire, including its Berry Creek water intake system that provides the water source used for incubation of salmonid eggs. MBSTP has expressed the critical need to restore the essential components of KFH’s operation. Without the Berry Creek intake being operational, MBSTP cannot engage in the primary function of spawning and incubation of fish at KFH. Reconstruction of the Berry Creek intake is a priority for both MBSTP and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife as the facility is critical to the recovery of local, native salmonids, namely federally endangered Central Coast coho salmon and threatened steelhead. The requested $14,000 in emergency funds is for materials to restore the intake and water diversion system. The labor costs for the project will be funded by other means.
The Board of Supervisors is asked to approve the Commission’s recommendation to fund MBSTP’s request for $14,000 from the PGFP and to approve and authorize the Department of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks (PWFP) to distribute $14,000 in approved funding from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006, for emergency KFH and Berry Creek infrastructure repairs.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a permit to MBSTP for the emergency KFH repair work. The Commission voted to recommend this request to the Board of Supervisors for a final decision on funding at its February 9, 2021 meeting. Because MBSTP’s timeline for reconstruction and installation is no later than July 1, 2021, for resuming normal operations for winter 2021/22, the Chair of the Budget Committee approved this item bypassing the Budget Committee and proceeding directly to the Board of Supervisors for the final decision.
FINANCING:
PGFP is administered by the County for the purpose of propagation and conservation of fish and wildlife and for educational and youth activities relating to fish and wildlife pursuant to Section 13103. These funds come exclusively from the Game Warden fines and settlements and not from the County General Fund. The Board of Supervisors allocates $10,500 annually to the Commission to support its administrative function for Fish & Game-related activities. Funds not used for operating expenses may be used to help fund educational grants.
The FY 2020-21 Adopted Budget for the Fish and Game Propagation Fund 006 included $35,000 toward propagation grant programs. However, due to COVID 19 and a delay in the Commission receiving updates from grant awardees from FY 2019-20, the Commission voted to defer awarding propagation grants in FY 2020-21. Sufficient funds, therefore, are available in the FY 2020/21 Adopted Budget to fund MBSTP’s request for $14,000 in emergency funds.
The FY 2020-21 Fund 006 starting fund balance was $25,812. Anticipated Revenues for FY2020-21 are $39,278; Estimated Expenditures, including MBSTP’s request, are $17,975, resulting in a projected year-end fund balance of $47,115.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors Administration and Infrastructure, Strategic Initiatives. PWFP’s active management of the Commission’s PGFP and provision of funding for the restoration efforts of KFH’s Berry Creek intake and water diversion system comply with the Infrastructure initiative.
Economic Development
X Administration
Health & Human Services
X Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: John Akeman, ASLA, Parks Planning Manager (831) 755-4911
Reviewed by: Lindsay Lerable, Chief of Facilities
Approved by: Shawne E. Ellerbee, Assistant Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Attachment:
Attachment A-2/9/21 Monterey County Fish and Game Advisory Commission Agenda Item 6
(Attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board)