Title
Consider recommendation from EAA staff to approve water conservation grant contracts with F&M Santleben Properties (2), Tierra Lytle, LLC, and Texas by Anderson Family Properties, LP, for installation of irrigation conservation equipment in amounts not to exceed $79,584.62, $62,421.08, $45,000, and $11,220.51, respectively.
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RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve water conservation grant contracts with F&M Santleben Properties, Tierra Lytle, LLC, and Texas by Anderson Family Properties, LP, in amounts not to exceed $79,584.62, $62,421.08, $45,000, and $11,220.51, respectively, and authorize the General Manager to execute the contracts.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an Executive Committee recommendation to approve water conservation grant contracts with F&M Santleben (2), Tierra Lytle, and Texas by Anderson Family Properties, in amounts not to exceed $79,584.62, $62,421.08, $45,000, and $11,220.51, respectively. These contracts will fund the installation of irrigation conservation equipment.
F&M Santleben Properties requested funding for two irrigation efficiency improvement projects which would result in the cessation of flood irrigation activities. The first project is for the installation of a linear sprinkler system that would irrigate 125 acres for a total amount not to exceed $79,584.62 with a cost per acre foot of $648. The second project is for the installation of a center pivot irrigation system that would irrigate 68 acres for a total amount not to exceed $62,421.08 with a cost per acre foot of $448.
Tierra Lytle, LLC, requested funding for the installation of pivot and linear systems that will cover a total of 370 acres. The total project cost is $260,000. Tierra Lytle, LLC, currently has an application on file with the NRCS for $215,000 of EQIP funding. As a supplement to the NRCS application, EAA is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $45,000 with a cost per acre foot of $738.
Texas by Anderson Family Properties, LP, requested funding for the installation of soil moisture sensors that will monitor 558 acres. Purchase, installation and monitoring of the soil moisture sensors will be for a total amount not to exceed $11,440.51 and a cost per acre foot of $374.
EAA staff reviewed the applications and determined that the proposed projects met all requirements of the EAA Rules and would result in the conservation of Edwards groundwater.
At the July 26 meeting, the Aquifer Management Planning Committee consented to having these items presented to the Executive Committee in order to expedite consideration of the projects. At the August 1 meeting, the Executive Committee voted to recommend the board approve the contracts. Draft grant contracts will be provided for the board's reference prior to the August 9 board meeting.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The Applicants are not M/WBE vendors.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This item is related to the EAA 2015-17 Strategic Plan: Goal B, Ensure Effective Management of the Edwards Aquifer
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $200,000 is available in the 2016 operating budget.