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Adopt a resolution urging the State Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of Interior to expand the range of alternatives and extent and depth of analysis of these alternatives (including the Portfolio Alternative) in future drafts of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and associated environmental documents
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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:
1. Adopt a resolution urging the State Resources Agency and the U.S. Department of Interior to expand the range of alternatives and extent and depth of analysis of these alternatives in future drafts of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and associated environmental documents, including the Portfolio-Based Conceptual Alternative which has been developed by a coalition of environmental groups and water districts; and
2. Direct staff to draft a letter for the Chair’s signature to transmit this resolution to appropriate State/Federal agencies and legislative members.
SUMMARY:
The State and Federal government have begun to release sections of the draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) for public review. Our understanding is that the Plan will contain one primary alternative (featuring a 9,000 cfs intake, twin tunnels and over 100,000 acres of habitat restoration) for full environmental analysis with several alternatives that will be evaluated at a lesser level. Recently, a coalition of environmental groups and water districts has brought forward a potential BDCP alternative known as the Portfolio Alternative. This concept features a smaller intake (3,000 cfs), more emphasis on development of south of Delta storage options, commitment to other local water supply solutions, increased levee investments, and less conversion of agricultural land to habitat (Attachment B outlines all components of the Portfolio Concept). The proponents of...
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