FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
title
LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE NATION ACT
end
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Letter of Support for Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN).
body
BACKGROUND
Federal funding for resource recovery projects is very important for the Orange County Sanitation District (Sanitation District). Recently, we have been successful in applying for and receiving federal funding including: $450,000 for the Effluent Reuse Feasibility Study and $1.325 million for the Groundwater Replenishment System Final Expansion. Funding from grants helps to offset our cost, which is then passed down to our ratepayers.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without appropriate federal funding, water recycling projects like the Groundwater Replenishment System may be delayed until funding is available or may not happen at all.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff has drafted a letter of support for WIIN funding opportunities.
TIMING CONCERNS
It is important that the Sanitation District take a position on the letter as soon as possible to ensure that the Sanitation District is in a good position to apply for any upcoming grant opportunities.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not support funding opportunities, we may lose out on potential grants in the future.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
N/A
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Possible grant opportunities in the future.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) are included in hard copy and may also be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Letter of Support for WIIN