Title
Consider recommendation from EAA staff to approve water conservation grant contracts with: Thomas Ekbaum & Gretel Seidel Ekbaum; K&L Farms Legacy; Wilde Family Farms, LTD; and Rodney Carl Hitzfelder for a total amount of $192,034.14.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve water conservation grant contracts with: Thomas Ekbaum & Gretel Seidel Ekbaum ($53,178.04); K&L Farms Legacy ($57,500.00); Wilde Family Farms, LTD ($33,178.05); and Rodney Carl Hitzfelder ($48,178.05) and authorize the General Manager to negotiate and execute the contracts.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a staff recommendation to approve water conservation grant contracts with EAA groundwater withdrawal permit holders described below. These contracts will fund the installation of irrigation conservation equipment.
Thomas Ekbaum & Gretel Seidel Ekbaum requested funding for the replacement of an 115-acre center pivot sprinkler system with a new 112-acre center pivot. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $53,178.04.
K&L Farms Legacy requested funding for the replacement of an 112-acre center pivot sprinkler system with a new 112-acre center pivot. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $ 57,500.00.
Wilde Family Farms LTD requested funding for the replacement of a 54-acre center pivot sprinkler system with a new 54-acre center pivot. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $ 33,178.05.
Rodney Carl Hitzfelder requested funding to replace a 70-acre linear system with new 70-acre linear system. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $48,178.05.
A draft template of the grant contract and related exhibit templates, which have been reviewed by legal counsel, are attached to this agenda item. Individual contracts based on these templates will be developed and executed following board approval.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
This agenda item does not involve the procurement of goods or services by the EAA and, therefore, this section is not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the proposed contracts is available in the 2026 Operating Budget; however, the costs will be offset by a $130,000 grant from Rowan Digital and grant funding carried over from a 2025 Texas Water Development Board grant.