The Salt River Project (SRP), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and participating Parties propose to move forward with a Feasibility Study to assess the recommended alternatives (Bartlett Dam Modification) to restore and enhance water storage due to lost capacity in the Verde River reservoirs. This Agreement sets the terms and conditions for 1) the estimated annual costs the Parties expect to pay in support of the Bartlett Dam Modification Feasibility Study; 2) how the costs will be shared among the Parties; 3) the process to remit payment; 4) the process for the formation of and participation in the Steering Committee; and 5) the process for voluntary departure, removal, and addition of the Cost-Share Partners and Steering Committee Members.

Authorize the City Manager or her designee to take any and all actions to execute the agreement and approve related budget transfer. (Gretchen Erwin, Water Resources and Sustainability Manager)

The initial annual contribution level is $100,000 per year over a four-year period beginning in Calendar Year 2022.  Funding is being requested to be transferred from the Water Operating Fund balance for the first payment due in FY2022.  This action will also authorize an ongoing $100,000 in the Water base budget for the next three years, through FY2025.  Water operations has sufficient funds to cover the amount of this tranfser.

Reclamation, in partnership with SRP, conducted an appraisal level investigation called the Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study to evaluate options to restore capacity lost in SRP’s Verde River reservoirs due to sediment accumulation, which impacts critical water supplies for central Arizona. Reclamation issued a draft report entitled “Verde Reservoirs Sediment Mitigation Study Appraisal Report” in May 2021 (“Draft Appraisal Report”) recommending that Reclamation initiate a feasibility study.

Two options were selected, both involving raising of Bartlett Dam.  If feasible, this could allow for new storage space for Verde River water in addition to the lost capacity.  This water could be available to Goodyear as an additional renewable water supply.  The city has the infrastructure in place to take delivery of the new water due to our partnership and previous agreements with SRP.

The Bartlett Dam Modification Feasibility Study is to determine the technical, environmental, economic, and financial feasibility of implementing one of two Bartlett Dam modification alternatives to enable central Arizona to adapt water management to changing climate conditions.

On August 30, 2021, Council approved the City Manager to take action to execute the Memorandum of Understanding to Support the Bartlett Dam Modification Feasibility Study Among Various Participating Entities, Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association, and Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District.

Verde River water could be a new source of water for growth and an important component to the city’s water supply portfolio.  Verde River water is considered a “renewable” supply and therefore does not require replenishment.  This would lessen the city’s dependence on groundwater and future dependence on the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District.

Previous agreements with SRP for wheeling our Central Arizona Project (CAP) water through canals and the city’s construction of the pumping plant, transmission line, and water treatment facility would facilitate the use of the water.

Being a member of the Steering Committee will allow the city to participate in the development of the criteria which will determine an entities’ need for the additional water.  Additionally, as a member of the Steering Committee, Goodyear would be one of the entities that shall be responsible for developing the preferred allocation of the available water among the project beneficiaries.