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 (JFA) with the United States Geological Survey, Department of Interior (USGS) for a Water Discipline Data Collection program.
Chairman to sign and 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 JFA is to continue funding the 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, 2018 to April 30, 2019.
Background Information:
The USGS has constructed and installed data gathering stations at various locations throughout the County. The stations 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. The data also 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 $257,200.00 for the one year period of May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019. The County will contribute $199,774.00, and the USGS will contribute $57,426.00. The USGS is managing and performing the work. The USGS will discount the total cost by $57,426.00 through contributions from their Cooperative Water Program, and Bureau and Science Support.
The total project cost is $4,200.00 higher than the prior year with the County contribution increasing by $4,200.00, and the USGS contribution unchanged. The cost increase is related to the relocation of one site and increased maintenance costs. The County’s portion of funding in the amount of $199,774.00 is derived from the General Fund and Surface Water Assessment Fund within the Public Works Environmental Management Division operating budget. This amount is included in the Fiscal Year 2018 estimate and Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) request submitted as part of FY19 budget development.
Staff Member Responsible:
Rahim Harji, Assistant County Administrator
Partners:
USGS
Attachments:
Agreement