ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
14.	Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 2012-08 SUPPORTING MPWMD APPLICATION TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES FOR LOCAL GROUNDWATER ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
Meeting Date:			June 12, 2012	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program:	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Jonathan Lear	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Approval: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The California Department of Water Resources has opened a Local Groundwater Assistance Grant in accordance with the 2012 Local Groundwater Assistance Act of 2000 funding cycle. Grant funds are allocated to provide funding to local public agencies to conduct groundwater studies. Awarded grants will provide 100% funding up to $250,000. Applications are due July 13, 2012 and successful applicants will be notified in Fall 2012. Qualifying projects will collect and evaluate data related to groundwater management, evaluate the potential for natural or artificial recharge to evaluate conjunctive use opportunities, perform aquifer tests, install monitoring wells, and gather information for improving groundwater management. MPWMD will apply for funds to install a test well to evaluate aquifer properties and address the feasibility of expansion of the MPWMD’s Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) program to additional phases.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff is seeking authorization from the Board to submit an application for this grant to help fund further expansion of the Seaside Basin ASR Project, by way of formal Board resolution (Exhibit 14-A). Staff recommends adoption of Resolution No. 2012-08 authorizing staff to apply for grant funds to evaluate the feasibility of expansion of the Seaside Groundwater Basin ASR Program.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: There is no external cost associated with adoption of this resolution. Staff time spent to prepare the grant application will not be recovered, however if the grant is awarded and accepted, staff time spent administering and working within the scope of the grant will be reimbursed through the grant compensation.

BACKGROUND: This grant program represents an opportunity for potential expansion of the successful Phase 1 and 2 ASR Projects in the Seaside Groundwater Basin. Accordingly, staff supports the submittal of the grant application as a means of investigating the feasibility of future ASR projects and improved conjunctive groundwater management.

EXHIBIT

14-A Draft Resolution No. 2012-08

U:\staff\Boardpacket\2012\20120612\ConsentCal\14\item14.docx