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Receive an update on the County’s Water Resources Program and activities, including related processes with the Delta Tunnel project, ecosystem restoration projects in the Cache Slough Region, groundwater sustainability, development of the integrated One Water Framework, and other related activities
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Resource Management recommends that the Board of Supervisors receive an update on the County’s Water Resources Program and activities, including related processes with the Delta Tunnel project, ecosystem restoration projects in the Cache Slough Region, groundwater sustainability, development of the integrated One Water Framework, and other related activities.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Solano County’s water team continues to track, review and comment on various Delta and water resource planning studies, plans and initiatives at the federal, State and local level and coordinating with other local, State, and federal agencies on the various efforts. Several water/Delta initiatives including the Delta Conveyance (“Tunnel”) Project, Bay Delta Plan, and other State-initiated habitat projects are entering critical phases of development and could have significant impacts on Solano County.
In addition, staff is overseeing several key water-related programs and projects including engagement on groundwater sustainability under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and the development of the One Water Framework to promote a comprehensive and integrated approach to water resource management, encompassing water supply, wastewater, drainage, flood protection, and ecosystem enhancements in the unincorporated county region. County staff is also coordinating with representatives from various water-related sectors to evaluate sea level rise and climate-impact vulnerabilities along with the western Solano County bayshore region as part of the Solano Bayshore Resiliency Project. A Water Program update is provided in Attachment A summarizing the various efforts where staff is actively engaged.
Overall, the County’s Water Resources Program has evolved and is being stretched by new initiatives and issues. Action by the Board in prior fiscal years to increase resources in Resource Management and County Counsel’s Office has been beneficial in keeping up with demands.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact associated with an update on these work efforts. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to receive the updates on delta water and ecosystem topics. This is not recommended because they are matters that are important to the county and are developing rapidly.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County is actively engaged with multiple local, State and federal agencies associated with the Delta Conveyance project and other water resource-related programs and coalitions in the Bay and Delta area and in the county relative to groundwater management.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION