DATE: June 20, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Adopt Resolution for Drought Grant Funding from the State of California Department of Water Resources for CSA 1 - Tamarack Estates.
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution memorializing the following authorizations granted on March 14, 2023:
1.) Authorization of the Direction of the Department of Public Works and Planning’s previous submittal of a grant application to the State of California Department of Water Resources Small Community Drought Relief Program; and
2.) Authorization of Director of Department of Public Works and Planning to accept and execute a funding agreement in the amount of $2,098,240, all corresponding reports and claims, and any amendments thereto deemed necessary by the Director to administer improvements to the water distribution systems for County Service Area 1 - Tamarack Estates for the Tamarack Water Infrastructure Replacement Program with the State of California Department of Water Resources, subject to review and approval by County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector.
REPORT
On March 14, 2023, your Board approved the Department of Public Works and Planning’s (Department) previous submittal of a grant application to the State of California Department of Water Resources Small Community Drought Relief Program and authorized the Director of Public Works and Planning to execute a funding agreement in the amount of $2,098,240, to administer improvements to the water distribution system for County Service Area 1 - Tamarack Estates (CSA 1). The State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) requires a resolution be adopted to execute the grant funding agreement (Agreement). A finalized funding agreement is from DWR is currently being drafted.
Approval of the recommended action will provide the authorizing resolution required by DWR and allow the County to enter into a funding agreement for the Tamarack Water Infrastructure Replacement Project (Project) in CSA 1. This item pertains to locations in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
There are no viable alternative actions. Should your Board not approve the recommended actions, the Department would have to coordinate with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRDB) or DWR to obtain an alternative funding source for the continuation of CSA 1’s Water Infrastructure Replacement Project (Project).
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. All costs associated with the infrastructure replacement will be reimbursed under the Agreement. Appropriations and estimated revenue in FY 2022-23 for CSA 1, Org 9141 were increased per a Budget Resolution on March 14, 2023, to account for anticipated revenues and expenditures related to the DWR grant funding.
DISCUSSION:
The Small Community Drought Relief Program was authorized by the Legislature pursuant to the Budget Act of 2021, as amended (Stats. 2022, ch.44, § 25). The intent of the program is to provide immediate and near-term financial and/or technical support to help small communities survive the current drought as well as future droughts.
To meet the grant filling deadline, the Department submitted the Grant Application on November 3, 2021 to DWR for the Small Community Drought Relief Program. DWR notified the Department on November 28, 2022 that the project for CSA 1 had been approved and a funding agreement was being drafted. The Project funding is not to exceed $2,098,240.
CSA 1 was formed in 1962 and is located east of Tollhouse Road (SR 168) at Flintridge Drive, approximately nine miles south of Huntington Lake. There are 45 parcels within CSA 1, which currently includes 38 developed parcels, 6 undeveloped parcels and a parcel which contains a 10-unit motel. CSA 1 provides water and wastewater services to the residents of the Tamarack Estates tract. The aging water infrastructure causes CSA 1 to incur frequent emergency water system repairs. Aging infrastructure issues include deteriorating asbestos cement pipe and a rusted water storage tank that needs to be replaced. Replacement of the aging water system infrastructure with the grant funding will allow CSA 1 to conserve the current water sources and stop leaching water due to water line breaks and constant repairs.
At this time, the initial term of funding from DWR is through December 31, 2024. The Department is still waiting for a finalized grant agreement for more specific details regarding items such as this term. However, the Department will work towards ensuring the Project moves towards completion within any specified time parameters as outlined in a finalized grant agreement from DWR. The award of any related construction agreement will be brought before your Board at a later date.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 33, March 14, 2023
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
CAO ANALYST:
Salvador Espino