ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
2.	CONSIDER APPROVAL OF LETTER TO CALIFORNIA COASTAL CONSERVANCY AND OTHER ENTITIES EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE SAN CLEMENTE DAM BYPASS ALTERNATIVE
Meeting Date:			March 17, 2008	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David A. Berger,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Larry Hampson	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Approval: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: At the February 28, 2008 MPWMD Board of Directors meeting, Paula Landis, Chief of the San Joaquin District of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), gave a presentation on the Final Environmental Impact Report /Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIR/EIS) for the San Clemente Dam Seismic Safety Project. Trish Chapman, Project Manager for the California Coastal Conservancy (CCC), gave a presentation on the Carmel River Reroute and Dam Removal alternative (also known as the “bypass alternative”), which is one of five alternatives evaluated in the Final EIR/EIS to address the flood and seismic safety concerns about the dam. The CCC has expended considerable time and funding in examining the feasibility of this alternative.

Attached as Exhibit 2-A is a draft letter from MPWMD to the CCC in support of the bypass alternative. If this item is approved with the Consent Calendar, a final letter will be prepared for the signature of the Board Chair Judi Lehman and sent to Doug Bosco, the Chair of the CCC. Copies of the letter would also be sent to DWR and California American Water, current owner of San Clemente Dam.

BACKGROUND: During a question and answer period following the presentations, Director Markey asked Ms. Chapman if the CCC would like a formal letter of support from MPWMD for the bypass alternative (Ms. Chapman responded with “yes.”). Director Brower asked if there will be public meetings in Carmel Valley about the project, to which Ms. Chapman replied that such meetings were being scheduled for March 2008. Director Pendergrass questioned whether the project would diminish any water rights held by MPWMD or California American Water. Ms. Chapman responded that CAW would have to apply to the State Water Resources Control Board for a change to its point of diversion from the river with the bypass alternative. Director Potter commended the CCC for its thoroughness in studying the alternative and stated that the project presents a unique opportunity for the community.

EXHIBITS

2-A Draft letter of support for San Clemente Dam bypass alternative

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