Title
Department of Transportation recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Reimbursement Memorandum of Understanding with the El Dorado County Water Agency, not to exceed $80,000, with a term through June 30, 2027, as part of the El Dorado Drainage Improvement Project (along Pleasant Valley Road), to complete the Drainage Study and Environmental Planning, Capital Improvement Program number 36106004.
(District 2)
FUNDING: Regional Surface Transportation Program Funds - Caltrans Local Assistance (37%) and To Be Determined (63% - see “Financial Impact” section of the staff report). (Federal Funds)
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Department of Transportation (Transportation) is currently in the environmental planning and design phase for the El Dorado Drainage Improvement Project (Project) and is in the process of issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to commence the Drainage Study for the Project. Transportation staff have conducted a map and record search, utility coordination, preliminary watershed analysis, and alternative studies. The El Dorado County Water Agency (EDWA) is partnering with Transportation to produce the Drainage Study for the Slate Creek watershed and drainage infrastructure in the town of El Dorado to improve drainage in the area. This Drainage Study evaluating the town of El Dorado will be split into two (2) phases of work:
• Phase 1: Focuses on the overall Slate Creek watershed; and
• Phase 2: Focuses on infrastructure within Pleasant Valley Road in County right-of-way and the town of El Dorado.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the responsibilities between the County and EDWA. EDWA has agreed to pay the County 50% of the total actual amount of the Phase 1 Drainage Study work, not to exceed $80,000, as a one-time funding contribution for the cost to complete the Drainage Study and environmental planning for the Project. The County and EDWA agree that the payment from EDWA is for planning, study, and design purposes and no such funds will contribute to or fund actual construction of the improvements.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the MOU and provide direction on an alternate agreement.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
On November 8, 2022 (Legistar 22-1882), the Board accepted the Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) funds for the Project.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MOU.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The current RSTP grant funds will fund the preliminary environmental, design, and right of way phases of the Project. The “Funding” section of the staff report indicates that 63% of the overall Project funding is “To Be Determined.” This is because the Project is currently seeking construction grant funds. There is no change to net County cost resulting from approval of the proposed MOU. Funding for the Project is included in Transportation’s 2024 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the Board on June 18, 2024, Legistar file 24-0838.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) The Clerk of the Board will obtain the Chair’s signature on one (1) original of the MOU.
2) The Clerk of the Board will forward one (1) fully executed copy of the MOU to Transportation, Fairlane Engineering, Attn: Shanann Findley.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Priority: N/A
Action Item: N/A
CONTACT
Rafael Martinez, Director
Department of Transportation