Agenda Item Wording:
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Confirm a letter of support - Confirm a letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District Seaborn Reservoir Project.
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Agenda Date: 04/20/2026
Prepared by: Pamela Davila, Administrative Assistant, Pamela.DavilaLopez@visalia.gov, (559)713-4355; Leslie Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.Caviglia@visalia.gov, 559-713-4332
Department Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council confirm a letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District’s (TID) application for the United States Bureau of Reclamation WaterSMART Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Grant for the proposed Seaborn Reservoir Project. Due to the grant timeline and when the request for support was received from TID, the Mayor signed a letter to be included with the grant. If the Council does not wish to support the project, Staff will request the letter be withdrawn.
Summary:
The project consists of the repurposing of a former mining site outside of Woodlake into a 260-acre reservoir with an approximate storage capacity of 7,000 acre-feet. The project is intended to improve regional water supply reliability and operational flexibility within the Kaweah River and Central Valley Project systems. Several key project benefits include flood protection through capture of high-flow river events, improved groundwater recharge timing, and increased surface water availability to offset groundwater use in compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Additional benefits include support for agricultural water supply, enhancement of drinking water reliability for surrounding communities, including disadvantaged communities, and the creation of opportunities for environmental restoration, recreation, and education.
The City is a partner with TID and the City of Tulare in the Mid-Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability with a goal of groundwater sustainability in the Kaweah Sub Basin. This project will be helpful in that effort.
TID’s application for grant funding requires letters of support from regional partners to demonstrate broad community and agency support for the project. This grant will fund the development of the Seaborn Reservoir, which will store high-flow water during flood releases, thereby reducing flood risks downstream and increasing our region's ability to use surface water for irrigation and groundwater recharge. Approval of the letter of support will demonstrate the City’s recognition of the project’s potential community benefit while not committing the City to financial participation.
Fiscal Impact including annual maintenance and operating costs: There is no fiscal impact to the city associated with providing a letter of support.
Prior Council Action: None.
Alternatives: 1.) Decline to confirm the letter of support. 2.) Direct staff to revise the letter and return it for further Council consideration.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
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I move to confirm the letter of support for Tulare Irrigation District’s application for the USBR WaterSMART Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Grant for the Seaborn Reservoir Project.
Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Deadline for Action: 04/20/2026
Attachments:
1. Draft letter of support for TID Seaborn Project
2. TID Seaborn Project Highlight Sheet
Strategic Goal: Indicates which City Strategic Goal(s) this item supports. Check all that apply.
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