HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 02131996 - C28 ATO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORSContra
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FROM: WATER COMMITTEE —� coS}�
Supervisor Gayle Bishop, Chair OL
CI
Tom Torlakson
!J County
T N
DATE: February 13, 1996
SUBJECT: REPORT ON WATER-RELATED LEGISLATION
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATIONS + .
Authorize the Chair to sign letters conveying County concern with the following legislation, and adopt the
positions recommended by the Board's Water Committee as follows;
U.S. H 2738: Doolittle: CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT REFORM: Opposition
AB 619: Bustamante: WATER FACILITIES: Opposition
SB 900 Costa: WATER RESOURCES AND DELTA RESTORATION ACT OF 1996:
Watch
REASON FOR RFrnMMFNDATION/RATIONAL F
U.S. H 2738: DOOLITTLE: CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT REFORM
This legislation proposes to revise the Central Valley Improvement Act and the Reclamation Wastewater
and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act, both of which are contained in the Reclamation Projects
Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992. Sponsored by Congressman Doolittle at the request of
agricultural interests, the CVPIA reform legislation seeks to generalize requirements for balancing
competing water interests and removes references and emphasis relative to Fish and Wildlife Water needs.
Language specific to priority for fulfillment of contract obligations is added throughout the document.
Other aspects of this legislation include removal of State Board interaction in the decision-making process,
contract revisions and softening of other provisions outlined in the 1992 landmark legislation. Changes
are made as to how and when water transfers can be accomplished include removal of requirements and/or
findings which must be made prior to transfers, and allows primary responsibility for transfers to be made
by the Districts. Other changes are made to the transfer appeal process, as well as many other aspects
of this original legislation.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
upervis r Gayle BishopSupervisor Tom Torlakson
ACTION
OF BOARD ON February 13 1996 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT 4t4 I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
AYES: NOES: CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
Contact: Roberta Goulart (510) 335-1226 ATTESTED Febrivary-o 1 3, 1996
cc: Community Development Department PHIL BATCHELOR, CLERK OF THE
County Administrator Office BOARDOF PERVISORS AND
COUNTY A I STRAT
BYEPUTY
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` Board Order
Report on Water-Related Legislation
February 13, 1996
- Page 2 -
REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION/RATIONAI_F (Cnnt'd)
Recommended Position: Opposition
Rationale: The CVPIA was landmark legislation which accomplished the dual purpose of contract renewal
revision (both in terms of pricing and term), and the elevation of fish and wildlife water requirements into
a more balanced overall view of water needs. The current legislation seeks to soften key provisions of
the Act.
AB 619: BUSTAMANTE: WATER FACILITIES
This billsequires the California Department of Water Resources to provide a report.to the Legislature by
July 1, 1997 which includes evaluation of options for construction of the "Environmental Bay Byway", in
order to provide water to central and southern California.
Recommended Position: Opposition
Rationale: Contra Costa County has had longstanding policy in opposition to any isolated water transfer
facility, whether it be labeled Peripheral Canal or Environmental Bay Byway. In addition, should additional
studies on any type of facilities be contemplated, review should encompass the entire range of facility (and
other) alternatives, with consideration of the full range of issues which affect the Delta and its environs.
SB 900 COSTA: WATER RESOURCES AND DELTA RESTORATION ACT OF 1996
This bill would authorize a bond measure to be placed on the November 1996 ballot, for enactment of the
Water Resources and Delta Restoration Act of 1996. This act would allow for financing of certain types
of water programs, due to the declining condition of the Delta and the potential for significant growth in
California, requiring additional water supplies. Several accounts and subaccounts are established. The
Delta Restoration account focuses on the Bay-Delta Agreement, levee rehabilitation, and south Delta
facility improvements. The Clean Water and Water Recycling account includes monies for the State
revolving fund loans and small community grants. A Water Resources account is also established, including
a project feasibility, San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief, and Water Conservation and Groundwater
recharge subaccounts. Parameters for loans and grants are also outlined.
Recommended Position: Watch
Rationale: Although the intent of this bill, to effect large scale repair to the Delta system, and provide
funding for projects which will increase water supply through programs such as water recycling are
laudable goals, the bill as it proceeds through the legislative process is undergoing significant change. For
example, recent amendments have removed support of the CALFED and Bay Delta processes. In addition,
there has been concern that funding from this bill could be used to fund a peripheral canal-type facility.
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