Bakersfield council approves mitigated negative declaration for South Kern and Old River water consolidation

The Bakersfield City Council on July 23 approved a mitigated negative declaration that clears environmental review for a project to consolidate the South Kern and Old River mutual water companies into the City of Bakersfield water system. Council members voted to approve the MND; Council Member Arias was absent for the vote.

City staff said the consolidation project would extend an existing city water service line roughly one mile and add distribution lines to serve homes in the affected mutuals. Chris Budak, the city's water resources director, summarized the environmental documentation and said staff prepared the MND as part of the project. Leslie Owens of Helix was identified as a consultant available to answer technical questions about the document.

During the public hearing, a property owner in the area, Gavin Banducci, spoke in support and said his daughter lives in one of the affected homes; he said he looks forward to receiving fresh drinking water from the city. No speakers registered opposition.

Vice Mayor Kork moved to approve the MND; the council then voted to adopt the environmental determination. The motion passed with Council Member Arias absent. Staff did not set an exact construction or connection schedule at the meeting.

The MND approval allows staff to move forward with project-level planning and design that will determine construction timelines, easement or right-of-way needs, and cost estimates. Additional council action will be required to approve any contracts, construction budgets, or connection-fee arrangements that arise from the consolidation project.