Title
Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board:
1) Approve and authorize the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to sign Memorandum of Understanding 8221 between County of El Dorado and El Dorado County Water Agency in the amount of $125,000 effective upon execution through December 30, 2025; and
2) Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to approve and execute any amendments, excluding term extensions and increases to the amount, contingent on approval from County Counsel.
FUNDING: County Drought Resilience Planning Assistance Program grant funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 552 Requirements for Counties
Under Senate Bill 552, passed and signed in September 2021, State and local governments will share the responsibility in preparing for and acting in the case of a water shortage event. The bill outlines the new requirements for small water suppliers, county governments, State of California Department Water Resources (DWR), and the State Water Resources Control Board to implement more proactive drought planning and be better prepared for future water shortage events or dry years.
Through SB 552, the California State Legislature identified counties as the best-suited government entity to provide the needed leadership to improve water resilience for state small water systems and domestic wells. Accordingly, each county, per SB 552, is required to:
1) Establish and convene a standing drought task force to facilitate drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems (serving 5 to 14 connections), domestic wells, and other privately supplied homes within the county’s jurisdiction.
2) Develop a plan demonstrating the potential drought and water shortage risk and proposed interim and long-term solutions for state small water systems and domestic wells within the county.
Status of SB 552 Implementation in El Dorado County
On February 22, 2022 (item 22-0202), the Board approved El Dorado County Water Agency (EDWA) to lead this effort given their role as a countywide water resource planning agency and their past engagement in the DWR County Drought Advisory Group that developed the basis for the SB 552 legislation and participation in the development of DWR’s SB 552 implementation program.
EDWA has established and convened the required standing drought task force and is in the process of developing the required county drought plan. The intent of the plan is to achieve meaningful and long-term improvements in water resilience for its residents by making small water suppliers and domestic wells more resilient to future drought and water shortage emergency events.
State Funding to Implement SB 552
On September 26, 2023 (item 23-1392) the Board approved the grant application for the Drought Resiliency Planning Grant Program through the DWR for grant funds up to $125,000. On February 27, 2024 (item 24-0269) the Board approved Resolution 029-2024 accepting the award of the DRP grant and approved the draft grant agreement. Grant funds are to be used for the completion of the El Dorado County Drought Resilience Plan and to continue with the efforts of the County Drought and Water Shortage Task Force. This grant opportunity would provide sufficient funding for both purposes.
MOU #8221
Since counties are only allowed to apply for this grant, the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #8221 between the County and EDWA outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties for the completion of the grant project, submission of grant reports and invoices to DWR, and the reimbursement of grant-funded project costs.
ALTERNATIVES
There are no alternatives consistent with prior Board action.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
2/27/2024 item 24-0269 - Approval of: Resolution 029-2024 to accept DRP grant funds, Funding agreement with DWR
9/26/2023 item 23-1392 - Approval of DRP grant application
2/22/2022 item 22-0202 - Designation of EDWA to develop the El Dorado County Drought Resilience Plan
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel - review and approval
El Dorado County Water Agency
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this item as there is no cost-share/match requirements for these grant funds.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
None
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Safe and Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Carla Hass, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer