Important MCWRA Regional Programs for GM’s, Board Members, County Supervisors, IRWM Groups, Staff
Department of Water Resources Briefing – IRWM Grant Funding
RSVP TODAY: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/618005
DATE: Friday, April 4, 2014On March 3, Governor Brown signed a $687.4 million drought relief plan (SB 103 and SB 104). This includes accelerated grant expenditures in the form of infrastructure for local and regional projects that are already planned or partially completed to increase local reliability, including recapturing of storm water, expanding the use and distribution of recycled water, enhancing the management and recharging of groundwater storage and strengthening water conservation.
DWR is currently working on the Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the accelerated IRWM funding. The PSP is anticipated to be released at the end of March.
Funds will be available to the Department of Water Resources for integrated regional water management grants through an expedited solicitation round for projects that provide immediate regional drought preparedness, increase local water supply reliability and the delivery of safe drinking water, assist water suppliers and regions to implement conservation programs and measures that are not locally cost-effective, or reduce water quality conflicts or ecosystem conflicts created by the drought.
MCWRA has arranged for DWR representatives to provide a special briefing and Q & A for those interested in this opportunity. This will be the first presentation from DWR on the drought funding package.
- This drought solicitation is part of the IRWM Implementation Grant Program.
- Grant application needs to be submitted via eligible IRWM region, same as all previous IRWM grants.
- IRWM plans must be adopted and are consistent with the IRWM Plan standards contained in the 2012 Guidelines.
- Draft PSP expected on or about April 1st, 30-day public review, two public workshops in May
- Final PSP will be released around June 1st.
- Application due is anticipated about August 1st.
- Anticipate awarding funds in early Fall.
Types of projects (SB 104):
- provide immediate regional drought preparedness (definition in 2012 IRWM Program Guideline’s Statewide Priorities)
- increase local water supply reliability and the delivery of safe drinking water,
- assist water suppliers and regions to implement conservation programs and measures that are not locally cost-effective
- reduce water quality conflicts or ecosystem conflicts created by the drought
It is important to have a representative involved in your IRWM attend. Please circulate this notice to the appropriate staff and others involved in IRWM. If you know others outside of MCWRA membership that should attend or have interest, please feel free to pass this along. This will be an informal information program.
Speakers:
Tracie Billington, Branch Chief Integrated Regional Water Management Grants Department of Water Resources Hong Lin, P.E., Senior Engineer, Water Resources (Section Chief) North Central Region Office Department of Water ResourcesWater Commission Northern California Workshop on Small Water Systems
RSVP: Coming soon
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2014The California Water Commission will hold a public workshop on the challenges facing northern CA small water systems in rural, urban, and disadvantaged communities. Many state agencies are working diligently on drought response actions this year, and the Commission is particularly interested in addressing the disproportionate impact of the drought on some small communities.
The Commission, along with other State agencies recently developed a survey (Posted to the MCWRA website) to collect updated information from local agencies regarding potential water projects or programs that can add new or expand existing surface or groundwater storage capacity, improve water supply reliability, and improve operational efficiency.
The Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010 (Water Code Section 74744), requires the California Water Commission to develop and adopt, by regulation, methods for the quantification and management of public benefits associated with eligible water storage projects. Defining and Quantifying the Public Benefits of Water Storage Projects
The California Water Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. Seven members are chosen for their general expertise related to the control, storage, and beneficial use of water and two are chosen for their knowledge of the environment. The Commission provides a public forum for discussing water issues, advises the Department of Water Resources (DWR), and takes appropriate statutory actions to further the development of policies that support integrated and sustainable water resource management and a healthy environment. Statutory duties include advising the Director of DWR, approving rules and regulations, and monitoring and reporting on the construction and operation of the State Water Project.
The workshop agenda is under development. The workshop is intended to provide information to the members of the Commission and the public, and may inform future actions by the Commission. If you have questions or would like to participate in this important interactive session, please contact John Kingsbury at johnkingsbury.mcwra@gmail.com
Joint MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Program
The Event – 2014 – California’s Water Leaders
RSVP: Coming Soon
Date: Friday, June 6, 2014 Registration: 9:30 AMWe will have a moderated panel with three top water leaders in the State discussing matters of regional and statewide interest.
Mark Cowin, Director, Department of Water Resources
Felicia Marcus, Chair, State Water Resources Control Board
Randy Fiorini, Chair, Delta Stewardship Council
Reception to Follow the Program – To Honor our Speakers Efforts to Solve the State’s Water Crisis
Talk Style Program
Tom Philp
MWD
lModerated by: Tom Philp, Executive Strategist for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
