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Consider approving a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Solano and Yolo Counties, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, West Sacramento Flood Control Agency, Solano County Water Agency, and Reclamation District 2068, to Cooperate on Matters of Mutual Importance in the Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Complex; Consider delegating authority to the Director of Resource Management to execute the MOA and any amendments; and Consider appointing one Board member to represent the County with respect to applicable activities under the MOA and another to serve as the alternate; receive a verbal update on current Delta Water issues.
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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. Approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Solano and Yolo Counties, the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA), West Sacramento Flood Control Agency (WSAFCA), Solano County Water Agency (SCWA), and Reclamation District 2068, to Cooperate on Matters of Mutual Importance in the Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Complex;
2. Delegate authority to the Director of Resource Management to execute the MOA and any amendments; and
3. Appoint a Board member to represent the County with respect to activities under the MOA and another to serve as the alternate.
4. Receive a verbal update on current Delta Water issues.
SUMMARY:
The six local agencies have been working together to advance elements of the collaborative Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Corridor Management Framework (CMF) adopted by the Board of Supervisors in March 2015. Adoption of the MOA would formalize participation of these local agencies in anticipation of negotiations with state and federal agencies in the Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Complex region covered by the CMF. The CMF was developed to consider the suite of proposed and/or anticipated state flood and ecosystem restoration projects and their impacts on local land uses, including agriculture, water supply and infrastructure. The CMF proposes a multi-objective and multi-jurisdictional approach to planning and project development that incorporates local safeguards. Through the collaborative MOA, the local agencies will have a more formal collective voice that may exert some additional influence on state plans and programs in the region that would also be protective of existing land uses.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial obligations associated with signing onto the MOA. The MOA memorializes a process in which the County has been actively engaged, which includes a contribution of staff time. To the extent any financial obligations would arise under the agreement, the item would return to your Board for discussion and approval.
DISCUSSION:
Adoption of the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan in 2012 set the stage and provided funding for locally-led, detailed Regional Flood Management Plans (RFMPs) to define flood-related projects and priorities, resulting in an RFMP process for the Lower Sacramento-Delta North Region (the Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough area). The RFMP, in turn, illuminated the need for a broader, more fully integrated set of projects, leading to the subsequent development of the CMF, to incorporate the large number of flood risk reduction and ecosystem restoration projects that include protection of agriculture, water supply as well as other land uses. The 6 local agencies have continued to work together to advance the integrated approach to planning and project development in the region. State interest in the region coupled with the proposed integrated approach has resulted in a more intense focus and involvement by state agencies, and for the first time, substantive discussions are ongoing to determine priorities and relevant protections for local stakeholders. The proposed collaborative MOA structure may help strengthen the local voice in these discussions.
A related, Board-approved March 1, 2016 MOA for the Sacramento River General Reevaluation Report (GRR), included the same group of local signatory agencies. Formal participation of the local agencies in the state-federal GRR process has not occurred to date, due to lack of consensus by state and federal agencies on project scope and content. The GRR MOA provided a model for the proposed MOA and helped guide participation by Board members, other executives, and staff involvement in the process to date. Action on the proposed MOA would provide a unified local structure and purpose relevant to the current conversations between the state and the region.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to sign the MOA. This is not advised as the lower Yolo Bypass/Cache Slough Region is of great importance to the County, and a more formally organized local agency structure would likely signal serious intent by locals in discussions with the state.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Solano County is engaged with a multitude of agencies as part of this effort, including SCWA and Reclamation District 2068, Yolo County, SAFCA, WSAFCA as the local parties and with the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, the CA Natural Resources Agency, State Department of Water Resources and Department of Fish & Wildlife, among others. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the MOA as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION