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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
DATE: August 21, 2018
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING: Consideration of Application for Funding for the Cobb Area Water District improvements to water systems to improve water quality and fire suppression capacity, known as Hill 9&10, Branding Iron Systems Improvements and Summit Area Improvements, under the 2016 Butte and Valley Wildfire Recovery Disaster Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
During the public hearing of May 9th 2017, regarding the availability of funds from the CDBG Valley Wildfire Recovery Disaster NOFA, the Board advised staff and the county CDBG consultant to prepare an application for funding for the Anderson Springs Septic to Sewer project and to prepare funding applications for improvements to the Cobb area water systems impacted by the Valley Fire. The necessary project design and costs have recently been completed for the Cobb Area improvements and are the basis for this funding application to HCD for CDBG Disaster Relief funds in the total amount of $5,597,737. The improved systems will be consolidated under the Cobb Area Water District.
Project Descriptions:
Summit Area
The proposed project involves installation of approximately 15,000 lineal feet of distribution system piping and appurtenances in three portions of the service area. The majority of the new piping is proposed to be installed in the Summit Area where the existing distribution system suffered the most damage during fire recovery efforts. It is also an area where a significant portion of the existing mains are located in inaccessible areas (backyards) and are undersized with marginal fire flow capabilities. These mains will be relocated into the roadway as part of the project. This project will provide safe drinking water and much improved fire protection and standardization for the area.
Hill 9&10 and Branding Iron
The project will consolidate the Hill 9 & 10 and Branding Iron water systems. Neither system currently has adequate storage, treatment or redundant water supplies. The project will increase system reliability by providing storage tank capacity consistent with modern water system requirements. The project will also improve water treatment to conform to current water quality regulations. The project is also intended to improve fire protection in the community.
These projects will improve the sustainability of the communities be increasing fire suppression capacity, the capacity for future growth, and safe drinking water.
The National Objective: CDBG funded projects must meet at least one of three national objectives, this project meets the benefit for low to moderate income households because the projects are in a Census Block area composed of 53% low to moderate income households.
Eligible Activity: The project is a community public facilities improvement project, without which, the homes destroyed in the Valley Fire cannot be rebuilt. The CDBG funding is necessary to fill a gap in the total project funding.
Project Budget Totals:
The grant application is in the total amount of $5,597,737. The County of Lake is applying for the CDBG DR funding and will have responsibility for ensuring the CDBG funds are utilized properly in accordance with the grant agreement between the County and HCD. The County, specifically, Special Districts, will oversee the implementation of the CDBG funding by way of a sub recipient agreement with the Cobb Area Water District. The CAWD is a small operation as indicated by the organizational chart provided with the application and the past three years audit reports. Special Districts will provide technical assistance as needed to the Cobb District as it has done throughout the consolidation feasibility and design process.
The County of Lake has experience with CDBG program administration. Special Districts has in depth experience with implementing large projects using multiple State and Federal funding sources. The County also utilizes a local consulting firm, Community Development Services, for CDBG application and administration assistance and support to County and District staff.
FISCAL IMPACT (Narrative): This is a reimbursable grant. Given the size of the projects and the limited capacity of the local jurisdictions to carry the cost of the projects until HCD reimburses for these costs, we will be requesting fund advances as necessary.
STAFFING IMPACT (if applicable): Through a sub recipient agreement, County Special District and Administrative Office staff will oversee the grant and require the CAWD comply with all CDBG reporting requirements.
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
We recommend submittal of the application for CDBG funds by Resolution for the Cobb Area water systems improvements.