Title
Consider EAA staff recommendation to approve water conservation grant contracts for 2018.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve water conservation grant contracts with: McFadin Bixler, LP ($49,191.38); Douglas Verstuyft ($60,889.63); Scott G. Yanta and Kimberly Yanta ($39,918.99); and Curtis Boehme and Staci Seekatz Boehme ($50,000), 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.
The EAA budgeted $200,000 in 2018 for its water conservation grant program. The EAA received 20 applications requesting a total of about $2.6 million. EAA staff reviewed the applications and determined that the proposed projects summarized below met all requirements of the EAA Rules and would result in the conservation of Edwards groundwater. Full descriptions of the proposed projects, which total $200,000, will be presented at the August 14 board meeting.
Douglas Verstuyft requested funding for the installation of a center pivot system to replace flood irrigation practices. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $60,889.63, with a life cost of $73.69 per acre-foot conserved.
Scott G. Yanta and Kimberly Yanta requested funding for the installation of a center pivot system to replace flood irrigation practices. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $39,918.99, with a life cost of $140.92 per acre-foot conserved.
Curtis Boehme and Staci Seekatz Boehme requested funding for the installation of a subsurface drip irrigation system to replace flood irrigation practices. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $50,000 with a life cost of $65.97 per acre foot.
McFadin Bixler, LP requested funding to effectuate the replacement of an old center pivot with a new center pivot. Staff is recommending funding in an amount not to exceed $49,191.38, with a life cost of $303.32 per acre-foot.
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.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This item is related to the EAA 2016-20 Strategic Plan: Goal B, Ensure Effective Management of the Edwards Aquifer.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $200,000 is available in the 2018 operating budget.