Adopt resolution authorizing a proposal for funding from the California Department of Water Resources' Flood Maintenance Assistance Program for County Service Area No. 6 Levee Maintenance Activities and Designating a Representative to Execute the Agreement. (No general fund impact) (Lindbo/Sabatini)

Adopt resolution authorizing a proposal for funding from the California Department of Water Resources' Flood Maintenance Assistance Program for County Service Area No. 6 levee maintenance activities and designating a representative to execute the agreement.

The Knights Landing Levee System is part of the Sacramento River Flood Control Project ("SRFCP"). The SRFCP was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1917 as Public Law 367 during the 64th Congress, and was later modified in 1928, 1937, and 1941. The Knights Landing levee system consists of three levee segments with a total length of approximately 15.19 miles.

County Service Area No. 6 ("CSA-6"), which was established in 1975 and is governed by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors, is the local maintaining agency responsible for operations and maintenance ("O&M") of 5.97 miles in the middle of the stretch. CSA-6's responsibility runs along the Sacramento River's right bank from the Knights Landing Ridge Cut outfall gates downstream to the Fremont Weir. The levee is part of Unit No. 127 of the Sacramento River Flood Control Project with O&M standards prescribed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. All CSA-6 services are paid for by a percentage of property tax.

In late 2018, the California Department of Water Resources ("DWR") announced the creation of a new program -- the Flood Maintenance Assistance Program ("FMAP") -- that made State funds available for Local Maintaining Agencies and Maintenance Areas to perform eligible maintenance activities. The FMAP program was created to ensure that State Plan of Flood Control facilities are properly maintained and have sufficient resources, including funding, to meet applicable federal regulations and O&M manual requirements. An important component of this program is that local matching funds are not required in order to obtain the State funding.

The County has received FMAP program funding, on behalf of CSA-6, on an annual basis in an amount totaling approximately $575,700.  Natural Resources Division staff wishes to participate in the FMAP program for the 2024 calendar year funding cycle. At this time, staff is recommending the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the Manager of Natural Resources to submit a proposal to DWR for 2024 FMAP funding, as well as authorize the Director of Community Services to execute the agreement, should funds be awarded. 

Should CSA-6 be successfully awarded funds for the 2024 funding cycle, Staff will return to the Board and request the adoption of a resolution accepting the funds, approval of the funding agreement, and adoption of a budget resolution (should one be necessary).

Department of Community Services - Natural Resources Division staff collaborated with the County's on-call levee district engineer and the Office of County Counsel on this item.

The Competitive Bid Process is not required for the adoption of the subject resolution; however, all applicable County Procurement policies will be followed when contracting with vendors to perform the work should funds be awarded.