To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Departmental
SUBJECT:
title
Resolution Affirming Support for the Amended Planning Agreement to Undertake Feasibility Study of a Potential Licensing Proposal for the Potter Valley Project
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Receive an update on recent developments regarding the Potter Valley Project on the Eel River; and
2. Adopt the attached resolution affirming the County of Humboldt’s support for the Amended Planning Agreement to undertake feasibility study of a potential license proposal for the Potter Valley Project.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
General Fund (1100 251 - Water Management) in the Humboldt County Public Works budget
DISCUSSION:
On May 28, 2019, the Board directed staff to return with a resolution expressing the County of Humboldt’s support for the shared objectives contained within the proposed Amended Planning Agreement for studying the feasibility of forming a regional entity and developing a potential licensing proposal for the Potter Valley Project. The attached resolution demonstrates the County of Humboldt’s commitment to work collaboratively with California Trout, Inc., Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, and Sonoma County Water Agency to solve the regional issues and concerns associated with the Potter Valley Project, consistent with the goals and principles of the Two-Basin Solution proposed by Congressman Huffman’s Potter Valley Project Ad Hoc Committee. The attached resolution also affirms the County of Humboldt’s intent to enter into the Amended Planning Agreement with the understanding that the parties will consider a wide range of options to effect the Two-Basin Solution. If the attached resolution is adopted, staff will return to the Board for approval of the Amended Planning Agreement upon confirmation that the other signatories support the County of Humboldt becoming a party to the agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Today’s recommendations will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund. Approval of the Amended Planning Agreement and the associated financial impact will be considered at a future meeting. The other signatories to the Amended Planning Agreement have each committed an initial contribution of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) to fund the feasibility study, and Humboldt County may be asked to contribute an equivalent amount.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by providing community-appropriate levels of service and creating opportunities for improved safety and health.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Many federal, state and local agencies and tribal governments.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Board discretion.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution Affirming Support for the Amended Planning Agreement to Undertake Feasibility Study of a Potential Licensing Proposal for the Potter Valley Project
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: H-2
Meeting of: May 28, 2019
File No.: 19-806