ITEM 2: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO RELEASE A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR PROJECTS UNDER THE DELTA TRIBUTARY WATERSHED PROGRAM

DISCUSSION: California voters, at the November 6, 1996 General Election, approved the "Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act"--Proposition 204 (Act). Article 5 of the Act allocated $15,000,000 in funds for the Delta Tributary Watershed Program (Program). Of this amount, $14,550,000 will be available to fund watershed rehabilitation projects in eligible watersheds. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) staff held informational workshops on January 30, 1997 and April 7, 1997 to solicit public input regarding preparation of the Program RFP. A draft Program RFP to initiate project proposal solicitation is attached. Upon approval, the RFP will be advertised and, within about eight months, a project priority list will be submitted to the SWRCB for consideration of approval in early 1998. This item was discussed at the June 4, 1997 SWRCB Workshop and staff was directed to consider revisions to the draft resolution and the RFP. Accordingly, staff has made the following revisions to the draft resolution and RFP:

1. Resolved No. 3 was added to the draft resolution indicating the SWRCB interest in funding eligible and priority projects in the Trinity River watershed.
2. The Delta Tributary Watershed Advisory Committee referenced in the draft RFP under Section 4.a.(2)(b) "Selection Process" was revised to add an invited representative from the State Department of Health Services (Drinking Water Supply) to assist the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) and SWRCB staff in their consultation only capacity to the committee.
3. Section 4.b. of the RFP was revised to indicate that the SWRCB is supportive of considering funding for projects that implement the SWRCB's Nonpoint Source Program's Technical Advisory Committees Reports and Recommendations and the principles for watershed management provided by the Sierra Nevada Alliance (Attachments 1 and 2 of the RFP), and other selected selection criteria specifications.

Revisions to the draft (5/22/97) RFP are shown in a strike-out/underline format in the attachment.

POLICY ISSUE: Should the SWRCB authorize the Executive Director or his designee to release the Program RFP to solicit proposals for the Program?

FISCAL IMPACT: Expenditure authority has been established for the Proposition 204 Program bond funded projects as follows: FY 1997-98--$9,000,000 for projects and $152,000 for administrative/technical SWRCB staff and FY 1998-99--$5,550,000 for projects and $206,000 for administrative/technical SWRCB staff, and FY 1999-2000--$92,000 for administrative/technical SWRCB staff.

RWQCB IMPACT: North Coast RWQCB, San Francisco Bay RWQCB, and Central Valley RWQCB.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB:

1. Authorizes the Executive Director or his designee to release the attached Program RFP to solicit proposals for the Program.

2. Directs the Executive Director to prepare a recommended priority list of proposed projects for SWRCB consideration and approval.

Note: Figure 1, Draft RFP and Principles of Watershed Restoration are not available electronically. For copies, contact: Rene Bozzuto or Ken Harris, Division of Water Quality, SWRCB, P.O. Box 944213, Sacramento, CA 94244-2130 -- (916) 657-1132 or (916) 657-0876

JUNE 23, 1997 DRAFT

WHEREAS:

1. The voters of the State of California passed Proposition 204 on November 6, 1996 providing bond funding for the Delta Tributary Watershed Program.

2. This funding is available for watershed rehabilitation projects in eligible watersheds.

3. Informational staff workshops were held on January 30, 1997 and April 7, 1997 to solicit public participation and comment on the selection criteria and schedule for the RFP.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The SWRCB:

1. Authorizes the Executive Director or his designee to release the RFP to solicit proposals for the Program, and

2. Directs the Executive Director to prepare a recommended priority list of proposed projects for SWRCB consideration and approval.

3. Advises the Delta Tributary Watershed Advisory Committee and the Secretary of Resources to seriously consider prioritizing adequate funds for watershed and ecosystem restoration in the Trinity watershed (Siskiyou, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties) in recognition of the listings under the Endangered Species Act.

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on July 2, 1997.

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board