Staff recommends Council approve the resolution approving the application for the Bureau of Reclamation Small Storage Grant.

The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) has issued a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for small storage projects. The Small Storage Program is a newly established grant program to promote Federal assistance to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations. The BOR has $20 million to award this year and is anticipating awarding this funding to 1-4 eligible entities. The city has submitted a feasibility study for the West End Reservoir project which was the first step in the process.  The grant application is due December 9, 2022, and is required to contain a resolution from the City Council supporting the project and the application. The West End Reservoir project meets the requirements of the grant and staff believes the project has a chance of receiving funding. 

City Council may:

• Approve the resolution for the grant application; or,
• Not approve the resolution for the grant application.  If the resolution is not approved, the city cannot apply for the grant and the scope of the project will need to be reduced or funds will need to be found another way.

The grant is for a maximum of 25% of the total project cost and the reservoir project is estimated at $40 million. Public Works has hired a grant writer to assist with the grant application and this cost is estimated at $40,000.