Action 2.
Flood Control District Meeting
Community Development
- Meeting Date:
- 08/14/2018
- Title:
- Bella Vista Urban Enhanced Runoff Recharge Project
- Submitted By:
- Teresa Vasquez, Community Development
- Department:
- Community Development
- Division:
- Highway
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
2
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Joaquin Solis
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Floodplain Manager
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
You will use this Agenda Item template if your item involves a Grant (whether a new or renewal grant). You also must attach the Grant Approval Form to the item before Finance will approve it. Select the SPECIAL LINKS on your left-hand menu and Click on "Grant Approval Form". Then complete the form, save it and attach it to your item (on the Attachments tab).
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve additional grant funding in the amount of $50,000 to increase the original Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agreement to $550,000.
Background:
On August 25, 2017 Cochise County Highway & Floodplain applied for initial grant funding from the NRCS in the approximate amount of $8M to engineer, permit, and construct a facility in or along the Coyote Wash (Bella Vista Recharge Project) capable of recharging Urban Enhanced Runoff (UER). In March 2018, Cochise County was originally awarded an initial grant in the amount of $500,000 to provide watershed planning, environmental assessment, and an engineering design which was approved by the FCD Board. The department was recently awarded an additional $50,000 that we are requesting the FCD Board to accept.
The proposed action for this project is to continue to construct a facility that will collect the increased stormwater runoff due to development—UER—generated in the Coyote Wash watershed and flowing through the County owned Bella Vista Recharge property and utilize that extra runoff to recharge the aquifer at the downstream end of the Bella Vista property. The goal is still to enhance the base flows in the San Pedro River and groundwater modeling predicts that a project in this location will have a positive effect on San Pedro River base flows. Enhancing base flows in the San Pedro, even slightly, will help to protect riparian habitat and species of concern. Protecting this habitat and species helps ensure the future viability of an important riparian river system and of Fort Huachuca—a major economic driver in Cochise County. By carefully collecting and recharging UER, the facility will leave the pre-development flood flows intact that are essential for the floodplain regeneration in the San Pedro River and Coyote Wash tributary downstream.
The grant timeline for both began in March of 2018 and is required to be completed by Feb 28th, 2020.
The proposed action for this project is to continue to construct a facility that will collect the increased stormwater runoff due to development—UER—generated in the Coyote Wash watershed and flowing through the County owned Bella Vista Recharge property and utilize that extra runoff to recharge the aquifer at the downstream end of the Bella Vista property. The goal is still to enhance the base flows in the San Pedro River and groundwater modeling predicts that a project in this location will have a positive effect on San Pedro River base flows. Enhancing base flows in the San Pedro, even slightly, will help to protect riparian habitat and species of concern. Protecting this habitat and species helps ensure the future viability of an important riparian river system and of Fort Huachuca—a major economic driver in Cochise County. By carefully collecting and recharging UER, the facility will leave the pre-development flood flows intact that are essential for the floodplain regeneration in the San Pedro River and Coyote Wash tributary downstream.
The grant timeline for both began in March of 2018 and is required to be completed by Feb 28th, 2020.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
Approved and signed grant agreement will be returned to the USDA-NRCS for their signature and then returned to Cochise County for their records. Work will continue the watershed plan, environmental assessment and design work.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If not approved, the FCD will not receive additional $50,000 in USDA-NRCS grant funding. The project will continue however, unforeseen costs above the original $500,000 will be required to be paid by Cochise County until other funding alternatives can be acquired, be it through Cochise County or other grant opportunities.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
Please send Joaquin Solis to signed copies of the agreement.
Fiscal Impact
- Fiscal Year:
- 18/19
- One-time Fixed Costs? ($$$):
- Ongoing Costs? ($$$):
- County Match Required? ($$$):
- A-87 Overhead Amt? (Co. Cost Allocation $$$):
- Source of Funding?:
- NRCS Grant
Fiscal Impact & Funding Sources (if known):
The $50,000 additional grant funding is also reimbursable from NRCS and will be paid from Cochise County Flood Control District Professional Services funds and reimbursed from NRCS at approved milestones during the project. There are no additional matching in-kind County contribution costs other than the original $100,000 match for tasks required for grant submittals, reviews and coordination with NRCS and the consultant. There is no cash match required or proposed.
Funding Source: $50,000 258-4100-4103 332.100
The original grant agreement of $500,000 that was approved in March 2018 by the FCD BOS and budgeted did not come through in the FY 18/19 budget. A budget amendment for the $550,000 will be required.
Funding Source: $50,000 258-4100-4103 332.100
The original grant agreement of $500,000 that was approved in March 2018 by the FCD BOS and budgeted did not come through in the FY 18/19 budget. A budget amendment for the $550,000 will be required.