Title
Consider recommendation from the Finance/Administrative Committee to approve an amended 2016 EAHCP Funding Application for the City of New Braunfels.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt a Resolution and Order No. 02-16-838 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving the amended Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan FY 2016 Program Funding Application, increasing the 2016 City of New Braunfels funding request from $1,331,500 to $1,441,500.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Finance/Administrative Committee recommendation to adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving the amended Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan FY 2016 Program Funding Application, for the City of New Braunfels, increasing the 2016 City of New Braunfels funding request from $1,331,500 to $1,441,500, an increase of $110,000.
This amended Funding Application is necessary due to a series of cost increases for the bank stabilization project along the “Old Channel” of the Comal river. The original cost estimate was based on bids provided in early 2015. However, additional requirements suggested by the EAHCP Science Committee and approved by the EAHCP Implementing Committee, combined with delays and permitting issues has increased the overall project costs. Bids for construction of the project were received in November 2015. The qualifying bid price was approximately $757,000. Contingency, material, and engineering bring the overall cost of the project to approximately $870,000, representing a $220,000 increase from the initial cost estimate. This increase in project cost will be met by reducing the scope and associated funding of other EAHCP tasks in both 2016 and 2017. Tasks 5.2.5 (Non-Native Animal Species Control), 5.2.6 (Gill Parasite Control), 5.7.5 (Household Hazardous Waste Program) and 5.7.6 (Impervious Cover/ Water Quality Protection) will be reduced by $20,000, $45,000, $30,000, and $15,000, respectively, in both 2016 and 2017 to make funds available for the bank stabilization and riparian restoration project. At the January 21 meeting, the EAHCP Implementing Committee voted to approve the amended funding application.
At the January 26 meeting, the Finance/Administrative Committee voted to recommend the board approve the amended FY 2016 Funding Application, which is attached. Also attached is Resolution and Order No. 02-16-838, which has been reviewed by legal counsel.
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.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA’s policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal A. Sustain Federally Protected Aquifer-Dependent Species.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 2016 EAHCP Operating Budget includes $650,000 for Restoration-Riparian Zone and Native Vegetation (informally referred to as bank stabilization). If approved, this amendment to the 2016 Funding Application will also require a budget amendment to increase the 2016 appropriation by $220,000. The committee will be asked to consider this budget amendment later on this agenda.