HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2006-02-27 #G
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: February 27,2006
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: John B. Bahorski, City Manager
FROM: Mark K. Vukojevic, P.E., Director of Public Works/City Engineer
SUBJECT: LETTER OF SUPPORT REGARDING 2007 APPROPRIATION
OF FUNDS FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY GROUNDWATER
. REPLENISHMENT SYSYTEM
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The proposed City Council action will authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter to
California's United States Senator Dianne Feinstein in support of the Fiscal Year 2007 Federal
Appropriations of funds for the Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS).
BACKGROUND:
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is submitting a Fiscal Year 2007 Federal
Appropriations request for implementing the Groundwater Replenishment System or Orange
County Regional Water Reclamation Project. This project will be the largest groundwater
recharge project of its kind. GWRS will assist in decreasing Orange County's reliance on
imported water from the state water project and the Colorado River and helps the region to
weather future droughts. GWRS also aids in keeping water rates low over time. The project will
generate 72,000 acre-feet of new water each year, which is enough to supply 144,000 families.
Additionally, GWRS provides a reliable supply of water to expand the local seawater intrusion
barrier, helps to refill the groundwater basin, and in the event of a natural disaster the District
will be able to pump additional water out of the basin to insure regional water supply reliability.
OCSD is requesting a letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein to demonstrate local support for the
GWRS project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
AGENDA ITEM G
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the attached letter to the United
States Senator Dianne Feinstein in support of the Fiscal Year 2007 Federal Appropriations of
funds for the Orange County Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS).
Prepared By:
Sean Crumby, P.E.
Deputy City Engineer
?I/./ "'-
Mark K. Vukojevic P .E.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
~
Reviewed By:
Allachment:
Leller to Senator Dianne Feinstein dated Febmsry 27, 2006 regarding the GWRS
OCWD teller for request of support dated February t, 2006
February 27,2006
The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington D.C. 20510
RE: Support for the Orange County Regional Water Reclamation Project
Dear Senator Feinstein:
It is with pleasure that I send this letter on behalf of the City of Seal Beach in support of
the Orange County Water District's FY07 appropriations request of $4,040,000 towards
the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) project. If fully funded, this request
will exhaust the District's $20 million authorization for GWRS.
Safe and sustainable water supply is vital to the long term success of every community.
GWRS is essential to ensuring that the cities in this region can meet the increasing
demand for water as it continues to grow. GWRS will be the largest water purification
project if its kind in the world and will help increase Orange County's water
independence from other sources of water. In addition to a water source for the area,
this project will expand the local seawater intrusion barrier, refill the groundwater basin,
and provide an emergency source for additional water should a natural disaster occur.
On behalf of the City of Seal Beach, I respectfully urge you to support fully funding the
Orange County Water District's FY07 appropriations request.
Sincerely,
Charles Antos
Mayor,
City of Seal Beach
cc: John BBhorskl. CIty Manager
Mark VukoJOYIc, Public Works DlllICtllr
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PHIUP L ANtHONY
WEB BANNISlER
KAlllRYN L BARR
DENIS R. BILODEAU
RICHARD CHAVEZ
JAN DEBAY
SHAWN NELSON
SlEPHEN R. SHElDON
JOSE SOLORIO
ROGER C. YQH
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PHIUP L ANTHONY
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JAN DEBAY
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KAlllRYN L BARR
___I
ORANGE COUNTY WATER DISTRICT
Orange CDunty~ Groundwater Authority
VIRGINIA GREBBIEN
_Manager
February 1, 2006
Honorable Charles Antos
City of Seal Beach
211 8th Street
Seal Beach,CA 90740
Dear Mayor Antos: ~W
The Orange County Water District is submitting a Fiscal Year 2007 Federal Appropriations request
for $4,040,000. This number represents the remainder of our $20 million federal authorization for
the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). Your opinion is highly regarded by Senator
Feinstein and by her Senate and House colleagues. Please helD bv us bv sendina a letter of
suooort for this year's GWRS Aoorooriation reauest to Senator Feinstein.
The Orange County Water District enjoys widespread support for our award-winning GWRS project.
GWRS, also known as the Orange County Regional Water Reclamation Project, will be the largest
water purification project of its kind. GWRS will assist in decreasing Orange County's reliance on
imported water from the state water project and the Colorado River and helps the region to weather
future droughts. GWRS also aids in keeping water rates low over time, The project will generate
72,000 acre-feet of new water each year, which is enough to supply 144,000 families. Additionally,
since GWRS provides a reliable supply of water to expand the local seawater intrusion barrier and
help refill the groundwater basin, in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, the District
will be able to pump additional water out of the basin to ensure regional water supply reliability.
Enclosed is a list of supporters, background information on GWRS as well as a sample letter of
support. Your letter of support to Senator Feinste.in on our behalf will be most appreciated. In the
next several days you will be contacted by Adam Probolsky. He will make every accommodation to
help facilitate your letter of support. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me at
(714) 378-3200. Thank you in advance for your help.
Most Sincerely,
~~
Philip Anthony
President
P.O. Box 8300, Fountain Valley, CA 92728-B3DO . 10500 Ellis Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Telephone (714)378-3200 Fex (714) 378-3373 _ Page www.ocwd.com