DATE: September 13, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Chairman Buddy Mendes
SUBJECT: Letter of support for Temperance Flat Dam and Reservoir Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Authorize the Board of Supervisors to sign a letter of support of the Temperance Flat Dam and Reservoir Project to be sent to the California Water Commission
REPORT
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The Board could choose not to execute a letter of support
FISCAL IMPACT:
Unknown at this time
DISCUSSION:
Natural drought conditions over the past few years have been particularly difficult on the central and southern San Joaquin Valley. In addition regulatory curtailments of water supplies have been devastating to valley agriculture and much of our economy. At the same time, lack of surface water and groundwater have plummeted water tables demonstrating the absolute necessity of developing additional surface water storage.
The California Water Commission has identified the Temperance Flat area in Fresno and Madera counties as being among the best locations for new multi-objective surface storage in California. Using Proposition 1 funds the Commission will consider the public benefits provided by each proposed project. The Temperance Flat Dam and Reservoir Project would add additional water capacity of some 1.3 million acre-feet.
The Temperance Flat Dam and Reservoir would also create important water supply benefits to a region in great need including ecosystem restoration, flood control, recreation and emergency water supply, in combination with non-public benefit water supply and hydropower.
The project will not only benefit agriculture and the environment it will help every economic sector in the valley. By sending a letter of support the County of Fresno will be joining a diverse coalition of organizations and agencies in supporting this project including the Fresno Council of Governments (COG) and Fresno Chamber of Commerce.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Lette...
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