Title
Consider recommendation from the Research & Technology Committee to approve a Joint Funding Agreement with the United States Geological Survey for hydrostratigraphic mapping, in an amount not to exceed $462,000.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 09-17-878 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 17-865-AM between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey, for Phase 3 hydrostratigraphic mapping, in an amount not to exceed $462,000, of which the EAA portion of funding will not exceed $372,000, for the period October 2017 through September 2020, and authorizing the General Manager to execute the agreement.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider a Research & Technology Committee recommendation to approve a Joint Funding Agreement (JFA) with the USGS for hydrostratigraphic mapping. This JFA is Phase 3 of the region-wide effort to refine existing and develop new geologic hydrostatic maps of the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers at the 1:24,000 scale. Current maps of Edwards-related hydrostratigraphy are in need of refinement, whereas the rock formations that comprise the Trinity Aquifer are largely unmapped in adequate detail region-wide. Phase 1 of this project focused on Bexar and Comal Counties. Phase 2 of this project is ongoing and focused on Hays County. Phase 3 will focus on Medina County. The process will include data compilation to analyze and compile pre-existing geophysical borehole data, existing reports, literature and maps to aid in the detailed mapping of hydrostatigraphic units accompanied by a report-style write-up as a USGS Scientific Investigations Map series. Incorporation of GPS technology significantly enhances the efficiency of field work to more accurately delineate the hydrostratigraphy, faulting, and significant geologic characteristics with the Edwards and Trinity Aquifer outcrops in Medina County, Texas. In addition, up to two weeks per year will be allocated for field mapping activities on private properties of interest in other counties that may become available for inspection.
Attached to this item is Resolution and Order No. 09-17-878, and the proposed JFA, both of which were reviewed by legal counsel.
At the August 22 meeting, the Research & Technology Committee voted to recommend the board adopt a resolution and order of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Joint Funding Agreement No. 17-865-AM between the EAA and the United States Geological Survey, for Phase 3 hydrostratigraphic mapping, in an amount not to exceed $462,000, of which the EAA portion of funding will not exceed $372,000, for the period October 2017 through September 2020, and authorizing the General Manager to execute the agreement.
M/WBE PARTICIPATION:
The USGS is not an M/WBE vendor.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item supports the EAA's policy direction as set forth in the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal E. Conduct Research that Enhances Understanding and Effective Management of the Aquifer
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost of this JFA is not to exceed $462,000. The EAA's contribution will not exceed $372,000. Funding in the amount of $31,575 is available in the 2017 operating budget to initiate this multi-year contract. Funding for future years will be included in subsequent budgets.