TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Richard Thomasser - Deputy Director of Public Works
REPORT BY: Jeremy Sarrow - Watershed and Flood Control Operations Manager
SUBJECT: Expenditure Plan for Remaining County Unincorporated Area Measure A Funds
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize expenditure of remaining Measure A fund balance for Projects within the Unincorporated Areas of Napa County; and approve a Budget Amendment. (Fiscal Impact: $1,241,767 Expense; Measure A Fund; Not Budgeted; Discretionary)
[4/5 vote required]
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BACKGROUND
In March 1998, voters approved a half cent sales tax increase for flood control purposes known as Measure "A." The County and each incorporated City and Town were entitled to Measure A sales tax proceeds generated within their political boundaries for projects with the objective to improve flood protection, water supply and the health of the watershed. The Napa County Flood Protection and Watershed Improvement Authority administered the expenditure of Measure A funds on fourteen projects proposed by the Authority and approved by the Board of Supervisors within the County unincorporated area. These projects were funded and completed utilizing a combination of Measure A and matching grants. Significant projects completed in the unincorporated area include:
Rutherford and Oakville to Oak Knoll Restoration Projects - A combination of Federal and State grants matched with Measure A funds were utilized for the planning, design, and construction phases for the two restoration projects spanning a 13.5 mile reach of the Napa River. Special assessment districts were also formed with benefiting landowners to fund ongoing maintenance activities to protect the restoration investment along this reach of the river. Remaining funds of $1,034,230 will be re-allocated for projects within the Unincorporated Areas of Napa County.
Milliken Sarco Tulocay Recycled Water Plan (MST) - In partnership with Napa Sanitation District (NapaSan) a combination of Measure A, federal grants, and funds generated from a Community Facilities District (CFD) were utilized for the planning, design, and construction of a recycled water plant and distribution network within the MST area to reduce reliance on limited groundwater resources. The CFD has met its financial objectives and is in the process of administrative close-out. NapaSan remains the owner and operator of the system going forward with additional capacity for future connections. Remaining Funds of $176,640 will be re-allocated to projects within the Unincorporated Areas of Napa County.
Angwin/Deer Park Water Supply Reliability Projects - Measure A funds were utilized for projects addressing stabilization and enhancement of existing water systems for flood protection, water reliability and water quality improvements. Funds were utilized for the following water purveyors: Howell Mountain Mutual Water Company, La Tierra Heights Mutual Water Company, Linda Falls Terrace Mutual Water Company, Linda Vista Mutual Water Company, Rancho La Jota Mutual Water Company, St. Helena Hospital and Pacific Union College water systems.
Lake Berryessa Watershed Improvement Projects - Projects completed with Measure A funds within this area included sanitary surveys, water quality improvement projects and water quality basin planning and permit activities. Funds were also used to support a watershed improvement grant program that to date has funded three subprojects that addressed watershed restoration, invasive species management and erosion control.
Milliken Creek Flood Reduction Project - A combination of Measure A, State grants and benefiting property owner funds were used to complete a flood reduction study and implement the preferred project alternative identified in the study. The preferred project completed involved the removal of a dam, establishing a floodwater bypass and drainage improvements on Kaanapali Drive and restoration of the creek channel resulting in reduced flood risk to homes along Milliken Creek and eliminating a fish passage barrier.
Napa County Airport/Fagan Creek Drainage Plan -Measure A funds were used to complete a study to identify flood reduction improvement projects at the Napa County Airport. Funds also supported a sediment management project that reduced runway flooding risks.
Additional Water Conservation, Watershed Improvement, and Flood Studies/Projects - Measure A funds were utilized to complete several studies and multiple projects in unincorporated areas including installation of new and larger storm drain outfalls, culvert replacement and road rehabilitation in order to reduce fine sediment input into the Napa River supporting achievement of TMDL goals, and studies that developed and recommended water conservation practices and programs for local cities and neighboring areas. Remaining funds of $30,897 will be re-allocated to the projects within the Unincorporated Areas of Napa County.
The 20-year Measure A tax ended on June 30, 2018 and the Flood Authority held its final meeting in December of 2018. Three of the seven above previously approved projects have been completed and $2,241,767 of Measure A funds remain unallocated. Objectives established for Measure A projects within unincorporated areas of the County include the following:
1. County unincorporated area flood damage reduction projects including elevating/relocating structures, including bridges, in the floodway and floodplain; and
2. Agricultural watershed and stormwater runoff management improvements planned jointly by the agricultural industry, the County, the Napa County Resource Conservation District and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, including projects which will:
a. Reduce the amount of storm runoff and sediment in the Napa River System from agricultural lands; and
b. Increase flood storage of the River system by the setback of active land uses from river and tributary banks
Considering the above Measure A objectives and previous direction from the Board, staff is recommending expenditure of the remaining funds within the next 3-5 fiscal years primarily as matching grants for watershed improvement projects that meet the originally outlined and approved objectives for Measure A.
Staff is requesting approval for the expenditure of remaining unallocated Measure A funds ($1,241,767) for the following types of projects in the unincorporated area:
1. Implementation of the Bale Slough-Bear Creek Restoration Project (Group B sites)
2. Projects addressing management of priority invasive plant species (Arundo, tree of heaven, etc.) throughout the watershed including mapping, treatment, and monitoring of areas post treatment in support of the County Weed Management Area (WMA) and other local efforts
3. Watershed improvement studies and projects in support of stream and wetland restoration, sediment and bank erosion reduction, and stream habitat restoration
The remaining balance of previously-approved allocations will continue to be used as follows:
1. Community of Angwin/Deer Park Areas ($228,352)
Continue funding of water reliability and conservation Projects with local water Districts within the area of interest
2. Lake Berryessa Area ($1,259,955)
Continue funding eligible applicants (i.e. public agencies, non-profit organizations) and projects (water quality and stormwater improvement, watershed restoration) through the Lake Berryessa Watershed Improvement Program
Requested Actions:
1. Approve budget amendment for the following (4/5 vote):
a. Create Project 26021 for the “Unincorporated Areas of Napa County Projects” and increase appropriations in the Public Works Project 26021 (Fund 1000, Sub-Division 1220500, Project 26021) in account 52360-Construction Services by $1,000,000, account 52310-Consulting Services by $80,000, account 52145-Engineer Services by $50,000, account 52490-Other Professional Services by $70,000 and account 52525-Maintenance-Infrastructure/Land by $41,767, offset by an increase of $1,241,767 in revenue account 48200-Transfer-In from the Measure A Special Revenue Fund.
FISCAL IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
Utilization of remaining funds for project as originally outlined in Measure A |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
None |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Funds will remain unspent |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.