Subject:
Title
Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey - Department of Interior for the Water Discipline Data Collection program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval of the Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey - Department of Interior or a Water Discipline Data Collection program.
• The program has been ongoing since 1999.
• Data is used to develop watershed management plans, design surface water management projects and comply with County National Pollution Discharge Elimination System storm water permit.
• Data gathering stations are located throughout the County monitoring flood stage, discharge and rainfall.
• County expenditures of $262,500.00 are included in the FY19 adopted budget and FY20 budget request.
Authorize the Chairman to sign and the Clerk of Court to attest.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
Summary:
The purpose of this Joint Funding Agreement is to continue to provide funding in a joint effort with the USGS to collect scientific data. This data is used to develop watershed management plans, design surface water management projects, and comply with the County’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System stormwater permit. This agreement covers the period from May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020.
Background Information:
The USGS has constructed and installed data gathering stations at various locations throughout the County. The stations are used to collect continuous monitoring data including flood stage, discharge, and rainfall. This information, combined with water quality data allows the County to report pollutant loading information to meet existing and emerging federal and state water quality requirements; supports the planning and design of systems to address flooding; and is used in the development of watershed models which aids in the understanding of our surface waters and the overall function of the stormwater system. The Water Discipline Data Collection Program has been an ongoing program since 1999.
Fiscal Impact:
The total cost of this countywide effort is $262,500.00 for the one year agreement term. The County will contribute $205,074.00, and the USGS will contribute $57,426.00 through contributions from their Cooperative Water Program, and Bureau and Science Support. The USGS is managing and performing the work.
The total project cost and County contribution is $5,300.00 higher than the previous year agreement to cover the costs of moving one data gathering station.
Funding to support this contract is included in the FY19 Adopted Budget and FY20 budget request within the Surface Water Special Assessment Fund and General Fund.
Staff Member Responsible:
Addie Javed, Director, Public Works
Partners:
USGS
Attachments:
Agreement