To: Board of Supervisors
From: County Administrative Office
Agenda Section: Consent
SUBJECT:
title
Approve Sending a Letter of Support for Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District’s Application for
Funding to US Economic Development Administration (EDA)
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve the letter in Attachment 1;
2. Authorize the Chair of the Board of Supervisors to sign and distribute to the addressees; and
3. Authorize County Administrative Office/Economic Development (ED) Division Director and staff to assist the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District in their Application to the US Economic Development Administration (EDA) as needed.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund
DISCUSSION:
The Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District (District) is applying to the US-EDA for funding to repair the industrial water intake pumping facility on the Mad River at Essex, the Station 6 Project. The facility has remained basically dormant with minimal activity and maintenance since the last pulp mill closure in 2010 and needs refurbishment.
The intake, part of the District’s Industrial Water System (IWS), is a vital part of the District’s ability to supply industrial water to the Samoa Peninsula. The IWS previously supplied water primarily to the two pulp mills that operated on the peninsula. After the last mill closed in 2010, the District has supplied water for fire suppression and to help businesses and the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District to keep their water distribution facilities operational.
The IWS was used for fire suppression with water rerouted from the pulp mills through systems they owned and maintained. Fire suppression on the peninsula is currently dependent on a combination of the water supplied through the IWS and residential water supply systems.
Business retention, expansion and attraction require the IWS to supply their needs. The system has been key in attracting Nordic Aquafarms in their decision to locate in Humboldt County. The peninsula, with the clean waters of Humboldt and Arcata bays, has received significant interest as a location for locating and expanding aquaculture and mariculture facilities. A brief description of the project and funding source is attached (Attachment 2).
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There would be minimal financial impact to the county as the fiscal year 2020-21 Adopted Budget for the Economic Development Division provides staff time for this type of activity, including in-county travel.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
This action supports your Board’s Strategic Framework by seeking outside funding sources to benefit Humboldt County needs ; encouraging new local enterprise; supporting business, workforce development and creation of private-sector jobs/ building interjurisdictional and regional cooperation; and, advancing local interest in natural resources discussions.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
National Marine Fisheries Service
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Economic Development Administration
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Your Board could choose not to provide the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District a letter of support for this project. Staff recommends approving and sending the letter as written.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - Letter of Support for HBMWD
Attachment 2 - HBMWD Brief Project Description
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: N/A
Meeting of: N/A
File No.: N/A