Memorandum
Date: April 14, 2026
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Pawan Upadhyay, Director, and Linda Rosas-Bill, Program Coordinator, Water Resources Department
Subject: (Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) Adopt the Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District Approving and Adopting the 2025 Lake County Stormwater Resources Plan (SWRP); Authorizing Staff to forward the adopted plan to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and applicable Clean Water Program partner agencies; and Directing Staff to use the SWRP to guide future stormwater and watershed program planning, project development, and grant application activities and Authorize Director of Water Resources to Sign Stormwater Resources Plan
Executive Summary:
Senate Bill 985 (SB 985) requires California jurisdictions to adopt a Stormwater Resources Plan to remain eligible for state bond-funded stormwater and dry-weather runoff capture grants issued after 2014. Adoption of an SWRP is a procedural requirement for participation in Proposition-based stormwater funding programs administered by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
The 2025 Lake County Stormwater Resources Plan establishes a countywide framework for capturing, managing, and beneficially using stormwater and dry-weather runoff. The plan aligns with the State’s multi-benefit watershed objectives, including groundwater recharge, flood-risk reduction, water-quality improvement, habitat restoration, climate resilience, and support for disadvantaged communities.
During plan development, the Lake County Watershed Protection District solicited project submittals from local jurisdictions and partner agencies. Seventeen projects were received and evaluated using a standardized metrics-based scoring methodology consistent with the 2015 SWRCB SWRP Guidelines, ensuring transparent and defensible prioritization for future grant cycles.
Adoption of the SWRP does not obligate the District to fund or construct any listed projects. Rather, it:
• Maintains the Districts eligibility for state and federal stormwater and watershed grant programs;
• Provides a unified regional strategy for watershed management and climate resilience;
• Supports future project planning, design development, and prioritization;
• Strengthens inter-agency coordination across the Clean Water Program; and
• Positions City staff to apply for competitive multi-benefit grants.
The Clean Water Council placed adoption of the SWRP on its agenda as a noticed action item and took formal action to recommend approval and adoption of the plan by participating City Councils and County governing bodies.
OPTIONS:
1. Adopt the resolution as presented.
2. Adopt the resolution with modifications and provide direction to staff.
3. Take no action.
The adoption of the Stormwater Resources Plan is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines as an administrative activity that has no potential to result in either a direct or indirect physical change in the environment.
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Recommended Action: (Sitting as the Board of Directors Lake County Watershed Protection District) Adopt the Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Lake County Watershed Protection District Approving and Adopting the 2025 Lake County Stormwater Resources Plan (SWRP); Authorizing Staff to forward the adopted plan to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) and applicable Clean Water Program partner agencies; and Directing Staff to use the SWRP to guide future stormwater and watershed program planning, project development, and grant application activities and Authorize Director of Water Resources to Sign Stormwater Resources Plan.