ITEM 2: PROGRESS REPORT BY THE PAJARO VALLEY WATER MANAGE-MENT AGENCY REGARDING SEAWATER INTRUSION (INFORMATION ITEM)

DISCUSSION: The Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program Guidelines were adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) on October 23, 1997. The adopting resolution (No. 97-097) reserved $5 million for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (Pajaro Valley) until January 1, 2000. The resolution requested that Pajaro Valley submit a progress report every six months and appear annually before the SWRCB to present their report. Pajaro Valley was subsequently requested to appear before the SWRCB for their May 1999 progress report and to provide a water balance for the basin. A delay of one month was approved at the request of Pajaro Valley.

Resolution No. 97-097 allows the SWRCB to reduce the $5 million reserved for Pajaro Valley if insufficient progress is being made.

POLICY ISSUE: Is sufficient progress being made by Pajaro Valley to stop seawater intrusion?

FISCAL IMPACT: If the SWRCB decides that insufficient progress is being made and reduces their loan commitment to Pajaro Valley, those funds would be available for other agencies’ projects. No other agencies have applied for a Seawater Intrusion Control Program loan.

RWQCB IMPACT: Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: None. [This is an information item only.]