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Santa Rosa board authorizes state-funded consolidation of Robin Way water system
Summary
The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to authorize Santa Rosa Water to enter a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board to consolidate the contaminated Robin Way water system into the City of Santa Rosa distribution system under Assistance Request AR 6092.
The Board of Public Utilities on a unanimous vote authorized Santa Rosa Water to enter a funding agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board for Assistance Request AR 6092, the Robin Way Water System consolidation project.
The resolution, moved by Vice Chair Arnoni and seconded by Board Member Mullen, directs the director of Santa Rosa Water or a designee to execute the agreement, accept and expend state funds, and sign related documents. The vote was recorded as Aye from Board Members Wright, Mullen, Bartholow, Vice Chair Arnoni and Chair Galvin; Board Members DeWitt and Bavenport were absent.
Board members and Santa Rosa Water staff said the project responds to a State Water Resources Control Board compliance order requiring consolidation after repeated contamination exceedances. Assistant engineer Candace Michael told the board the Robin Way system first flagged elevated nitrates in 2002 and again in 2019, and the State issued orders requiring an alternative drinking-water source. The five parcels directly served by the Robin Way system were mandated to connect; an additional 24 parcels are being offered the option to join the consolidation, for a combined potential of 29 parcels and 118 residential units.
Michael said the project area is outside current City limits and that the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) has recommended annexation of the area into the City of Santa Rosa. She said planning under a Proposition 1 grant is about 90% complete and that Proposition 1 and the State Water Board’s assistance program will cover planning, design, construction and connection costs. The project also includes installation of fire-suppression infrastructure to meet City standards; Michael noted there are currently no hydrants on Robin Way or on the Bellevue Avenue frontage in the annexation area.
Board members asked about the number of similar consolidation projects and the reliability of state funding. Michael and Director Burke said multiple consolidation projects are underway, that some are already in the capital improvement program, and that the State typically funds mandatory consolidations; funding availability depends on state budget allocations. Michael said the State Water Board’s technical assistance program will also provide outreach, engineering support, CEQA assistance and help with reimbursement applications.
No public comment was offered on the item before the board approved the resolution.
The action authorizes Santa Rosa Water to submit the reimbursement funding application to the State Water Resources Control Board and to accept state funds subject to the funding agreement terms; work cannot proceed to construction without the executed funding agreement and negotiated cost estimates.
