ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
5.	CONSIDER EXPENDITURE OF REIMBURSABLE FUNDS FOR PURCHASE AND PLACEMENT OF SPAWNING GRAVELS BELOW LOS PADRES DAM
Meeting Date:			March 17, 2014	Budgeted:	No, 100% Reimbursable
From:			David J. Stoldt General Manager	Program:	Aquatic Resources Fisheries
				Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Beverly Chaney	Cost Estimate:	$170,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on March 10, 2014 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: Yes

SUMMARY: In 2013, Staff was awarded a California Department of Fish and Wildlife grant for Steelhead Spawning Gravel Enhancement below Los Padres Dam. This project will inject 1,500 tons of clean gravel at three sites within approximately ¼-mile of the dam. Over time, with high winter flows, the rock will disperse downstream improving spawning habitat between the dams.

The District will contract with Assured Aggregates for the transport of the gravel from their quarry in the Central Valley ($133,000) and with the Don Chapin Construction Company for the placement of the rock into the river ($35,000). Staff plans to have the gravel delivered and stockpiled at the dam site this spring and place the rock this fall, if river conditions are suitable.

With the completion of this project, as part of its ongoing commitment to fisheries habitat improvement in the Carmel River over the past 25 years, the District will have placed more than 4,500 tons of spawning gravels between Los Padres Dam and the Sleepy Hollow Reach thus improving steelhead spawning habitat over approximately seven miles of river.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the expenditure of up to $170,000 in 100% reimbursable funds for the purchase and placement of 1,500 tons of spawning gravel. The Administrative Committee considered this matter at their March 10, 2014 meeting and recommended approval.

IMPACTS TO STAFF/RESOURCES: Funds to purchase the gravel would be added to the FY 2013-14 Fisheries Program Mid-Year Budget and funds for the gravel placement would be included in the FY 2014-15 Fisheries Program budget. The expenditure will be fully reimbursed by an existing grant for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, with $10,000 withheld until completion of the final contract report in Fiscal Year 2014-2015. Approximately 100 hours of fisheries staff time will be needed to oversee the project.

EXHIBIT

None

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