STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD MEETING

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

OCTOBER 23, 1997

 

ITEM 10: SEAWATER INTRUSION CONTROL LOAN PROGRAM GUIDELINES

DISCUSSION: In November 1996, the voters passed the Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act (Act). The Act provided $10 million in low interest loans for seawater intrusion control ($9.7 million for loans and $0.3 million for administration).

All potentially interested agencies known to the Division of Clean Water Programs (Division) staff were invited to attend a meeting on December 12, 1996 to discuss the implementation of the Act. Three agencies sent representatives who recommended that interested agencies be surveyed to ascertain their level of interest and identify the particulars of each project. On December 24, 1996, a questionnaire was mailed out with a return date of February 15, 1997. Six agencies returned the questionnaire, and these agencies were invited to a meeting on March 27, 1997 to discuss proposed program guidelines. A summary of questionnaire findings is attached.

There appears to be a great demand for the funds, with no clear way to distinguish between the projects. Therefore, the Division has developed proposed Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program Guidelines (Guidelines), which are similar to other loan program guidelines administered by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) on a first-come-first-served basis. Each applicant would be limited to $2.5 million in total loans

The SWRCB has been deeply involved in the Salinas-Monterey and Pajaro Valley groundwater situations. In order to maintain momentum towards resolution, it is recommended that $5.0 million be reserved for the Pajaro Valley project.

POLICY ISSUE: Should the SWRCB approve the proposed Guidelines?

RWQCB: None

FISCAL IMPACT: There are enough funds budgeted to pay for administration cost.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB adopt the proposed Guidelines, and reserve $5.0 million until January 1, 2000, for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency. If Pajaro Valley has not submitted a complete application by that date, any of the $5.0 million that remains uncommitted would become available for other projects.

NOTE: Attachment not available elelctronically -- contact Jim Putman (916) 227-4355


October 14, 1997 DRAFT

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

RESOLUTION NO. 97 -

APPROVAL OF THE SEAWATER INTRUSION CONTROL LOAN PROGRAM GUIDELINES

WHEREAS:

1. The voters passed the Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act (Act) in November 1996;

2. The Act provided $10 million for seawater intrusion control loans;

3. The Division of Clean Water Programs (Division) staff has determined that there are several agencies interested in receiving a loan;

4. The apparent needs greatly exceed the funds available;

5. The Division staff has prepared proposed Guidelines;

6. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has been deeply involved in the Salinas-Monterey and Pajaro Valley groundwater situations; and

7. The SWRCB desires to maintain momentum towards resolution.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The State Water Resources Control Board:

1. Adopts the Seawater Intrusion Control Loan Program Guidelines (Guidelines);

2. Reserves $5.0 million, until January 1, 2000, for the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (Pajaro Valley);

3 If Pajaro Valley has not submitted a complete application by that date, any of the $5.0 million that remains uncommitted by the SWRCB shall become available to other projects;

  1. Requests that Pajaro Valley submit a progress report every six months and appear annually before the SWRCB to present their report beginning May 1998;


  1. 2. If sufficient progress in the eyes of the SWRCB is not being made, the SWRCB reserves the right to reduce the $5.0 million reserved for Pajaro Valley; and

 

  1. Waives Section III, Project Priority, of the Guidelines for the Pajaro Valley project.


CERTIFICATION

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 October 23, 1997.


Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board