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Accept the U.S. Geological Survey’s 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) grant for development of elevation-derived hydrography data across over 4,000 square miles of Northern California watersheds with a total project cost of $634,105 that consists of a federal match of $228,045 regional and local partner match of $446,967 and a Solano share of cost of $132,531 with $40,907 reimbursed by Regional GIS Consortium (REGIS) partners, resulting in a net County cost of $91,624; and Authorize the County Administrator, or their designee, to sign all necessary documents to accept and implement the grant, including related contracts and subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Information Technology (DoIT) recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Accept the U.S. Geological Survey’s 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) grant for development of elevation-derived hydrography data across over 4,000 square miles of Northern California watersheds with a total project cost of $634,105 that consists of a federal match of $228,045 regional and local partner match of $446,967 and a Solano share of cost of $132,531 with $40,907 reimbursed by Regional GIS Consortium (REGIS) partners, resulting in a net County cost of $91,624; and
2. Authorize the County Administrator, or their designee, to sign all necessary documents to accept and implement the grant, including related contracts and subsequent amendments, with County Counsel concurrence.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Department of Information Technology is seeking approval to accept a grant award from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP) to support the development of high-resolution, elevation-derived hydrography data across the North Bay region. This data will significantly enhance water resource management, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness for Solano County and its neighboring jurisdictions.
The project will build on the USGS’s 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) using advanced LiDAR-derived datasets to produce accurate models of regional hydrology. These models simulate how water moves through watersheds and are critical for infrastructure planning, flood risk mitigation, wildfire resilience, and land use decision-making. The area of interest spans approximately 4,091 square miles and includes all of Solano, Sonoma, and Marin counties, along with portions of Sacramento, Yolo, and Napa counties.
This initiative builds on Marin County’s earlier 3DHP pilot and leverages existing investments in LiDAR data to reduce costs and ensure consistency across jurisdictional boundaries. The resulting hydrography data will serve as a foundational resource for regional and federal partners, ensuring that Solano County is better prepared to manage its natural resources and respond to environmental challenges.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The total cost of the North Bay Regional Hydrography Program is $634,105. Of this amount, $228,045 (36%) will be funded through a federal match from the U.S. Geological Survey’s 3D Hydrography Program (3DHP). The remaining $406,060 (64%) will be contributed by non-federal regional partners, including Marin County (via in-kind contribution) and multiple Sonoma County agencies, and a Solano County share. Solano County’s total share is $132,531 and of that amount, $40,907 will be reimbursed by Regional GIS Consortium (REGIS) members including the County’s cities and special districts, resulting in a net County cost of $91,624.
There are sufficient appropriations included in DoIT’s FY2025/26 Requested Budget to cover the County Contribution. No additional General Fund allocation is required.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to approve the acceptance of the USGS 3D Hydrography Program grant. This is not recommended. Without this grant, Solano County and its partners would face increased costs and potential delays in acquiring critical elevation-derived hydrography data. The opportunity to leverage substantial federal and regional contributions would be lost, and the County would miss the chance to participate in a coordinated, multi-county initiative that enhances regional water resource management, planning, and resilience.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This project is supported by a coalition of regional agencies across six counties. The Solano Regional GIS Consortium (REGIS)-which includes Solano County, all seven cities, and multiple special districts-has committed to cost-sharing Solano’s portion of the project. Additional non-federal contributions come from Marin County and three Sonoma County agencies: Permit Sonoma, Sonoma County Ag + Open Space, and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Napa, Yolo and Sacramento counties, while not contributing funds at this time, have expressed support and may benefit from future phases of the program. DoIT has coordinated with all participating agencies throughout the grant development process.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION