Title
Consider recommendation from EAA staff to approve water conservation grant contracts in the total amount of $74,376.83 to Marla Lee Schaefer ($58,900) and Mark Roberts ($15,476.83).
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve conservation grant contracts with: Marla Lee Schaefer ($58,900); and Mark Roberts ($15,476.83), and authorize the General Manager to execute the contracts.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an EAA 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 2021 for its water conservation grant program. Additionally, the EAA was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Texas Water Development Board to supplement the program.
The EAA received 16 applications requesting a total of approximately $1.35 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. All applicants were required to cover at least 50% of the cost of a proposed project.
At the August 11 meeting, the board approved water conservation grant contracts for the five highest scoring applicants in the total amount of $295,910.96. However, one of the contracts could not be executed because the grantee determined they would not be able to meet the EAA’s deadlines, resulting in the availability of funding for the next highest ranked applicants.
Marla Lee Schaefer requested funding for the replacement of a 25-year-old center pivot. Staff recommends funding in an amount not to exceed $58,900.00.
Mark Roberts requested funding for the replacement of a hose-reel system with a center pivot. Staff recommends funding in an amount not to exceed $15,476.83.
Draft grant contracts, which have been reviewe...
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