ITEM 1: CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION TO PROVIDE A GRANT TO THE SALTON SEA AUTHORITY FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING THE NONFEDERAL SHARE OF COSTS FOR THE SALTON SEA RESEARCH PROJECT

DISSCUSSION: The Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-575) contains an authorization of $10,000,000 to conduct the Salton Sea Research Project (Section 1101). The purpose of the research project is to develop a method or combination of methods to reduce and control salinity, provide endangered species habitat, enhance fisheries, and protect human recreational values in inland water bodies. The project is required to be located in the area of the Salton Sea. The nonfederal share of the project costs is 50 percent. Funds for the nonfederal match were made available when the voters passed Proposition 204, the Safe, Clean, Reliable Water Supply Act, in 1996. Specifically, Water Code Section 78642(b) continuously appropriates the sum of $2,500,000 from the Drainage Management Subaccount (Subaccount) to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) for grants to local agencies for the purpose of providing the nonfederal share of the Salton Sea Research Project. Proposition 204 also provides for the SWRCB to use up to 3 percent ($75,000) of the amount deposited into the Subaccount to pay for the SWRCB's administrative costs.

The Salton Sea Authority has requested a grant for the project. The Salton Sea Authority is the local agency that has been working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on a series of workplans for the Salton Sea restoration effort. Under Public Law 102-575, the Salton Sea Authority plans to use the funds provided to help conduct the necessary studies and research of restoration strategies for the Salton Sea restoration effort.

POLICY: ISSUE: Should the SWRCB approve a $2,425,000 ($2,500,000 - $75,000) grant to the Salton Sea Authority to provide the nonfederal share of the costs specified in Section 1101 of Public Law 102-575?

FISCAL IMPACT: Proposition 204 specifically sets aside $2.5 million for this project, including project administration.

RWQCB IMPACT: Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That the SWRCB approves a $2,425,000 grant to the Salton Sea Authority for the nonfederal local share of the costs specified in Section 1101 of Public Law 102-575.

JANUARY 26, 1998 DRAFT

WHEREAS:

1. The Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-575) contains an authorization of $10,000,000 to conduct a Salton Sea research project (Section 1101).

2. The purpose of the research project is to develop a method to reduce and control salinity, provide endangered species habitat, enhance fisheries, and protect human recreational values in inland water bodies.

3. There is a 50 percent match requirement for the nonfederal costs.

4. Proposition 204 (the Safe, Clean, Reliable, Water Supply Act), which was approved by the voters in November 1996, continuously appropriated the sum of $2.5 million to the Drainage Management Subaccount (Subaccount) for grants to local agencies for the purpose of providing the nonfederal share of the costs specified in Section 1101 of Public Law 102-575 (Water Code Section 78642[b]).

5. Proposition 204 provides for the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to use up to 3 percent ($75,000) of the amount deposited into the Subaccount to pay for the SWRCB's cost for administration of the Salton Sea Grant.

6. The Salton Sea Authority is the local agency that has been working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on the Salton Sea restoration effort covered by Public Law 102-575.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The SWRCB approves a $2,425,000 grant to the Salton Sea Authority for the nonfederal share of the costs specified in Section 1101 of Public Law 102-575 with disbursement to occur on submittal of qualifying expenditures and not to exceed federal costs.

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the SWRCB, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on February 19, 1998.

______________________________

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board