Title
Receive report from EAA staff on the 2017 Refugia Workplan.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
None. This item is for informational purposes only.
SUMMARY:
At the November 8, 2016 meeting, the EAA board approved a multi-year contract with USFWS to provide and operate refugia for the 11 covered species identified in the EAHCP. The purpose of this agenda item is for the Research & Technology Committee to receive a report from Dr. Chad Furl, Chief Science Officer, regarding the 2017 workplan submitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) outlining the activities proposed by the USFWS in relation to the Refugia Operations contractual requirements.
The 2017 workplan consists primarily of "start-up" activities such as hiring new staff, construction and equipping of new facilities in San Marcos, renovation and equipping of existing facilities in Uvalde and, initial research plans and needs.
MWBE PARTICIPATION:
This agenda item does not invlove 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.
Specifically, this item is related to the obligations of Section 6.3.1 of the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.