Agenda Item Wording:
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Letter of support for Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District - Consider confirmation of a letter of support for Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District’s application for the Kaweah Subbasin Multi Benefit Land Repurposing Program.
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Deadline for Action: N/A
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rhett Anderson, 559-713-4530
Department Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council endorsement the letter of support for the Tulare Irrigation District (TID) request for community funding for the Seaborn Reservoir Project (Project).
Background Discussion:
A time-sensitive request from Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District to support the District’s quest repurpose agricultural property through the Kaweah Subbasin Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program was received between Council meetings. There was not time to bring the request to Council prior to the deadline. As with similar previous requests that were consistent with the Council’s legislative platform, staff prepared and the Mayor signed a letter of support. (Copy attached) Should the Council not concur with this action, the letter of support will be withdrawn.
The San Joaquin Valley (Valley) is one of the most productive areas for agriculture in the United States, and as a result of the significant agriculture that occurs here, water plays an essential role in the human, economic, and cultural health of the region.
The wellbeing of the Valley is primarily dependent on the precipitation that occurs in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, and the water provided through supplemental groundwater pumping. The Kaweah subbasin has focused significant time and energy in order to meet sustainability of our groundwater resources. One method of increasing groundwater supplies is to retire and repurpose agricultural properties with high water demands, into less demanding.
Funds from this Program will specifically be used to expand the KDWCD recharge facility, immediately south of the Kaweah Oaks Preserve. The basin, known as the Paregian Basin, will not only expand the Districts ability to lay surface flows from the Kaweah system, but also increase habitat area for local wildlife. Specific amenities to the expansion include planting native shrubs and trees and incorporating islands for migratory birds. It is anticipated that the landscaping will increase population densities of prey animals for migratory birds. There is also a public component to allow visitors to come to the area.
The areas to inundated are currently planted in permanent agriculture. It should also be noted that by permanently retiring the agricultural property, total demand for the region will also decrease.
Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impacts associated with the council approval of this Letter of Support are null.
Prior Council Action: N/A
Other: N/A
Alternatives: N/A
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
It is the recommendation of City Staff to confirm the letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District’s Seaborn Reservoir Project.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Letter of support