Board approves $217.7 million water bonds allocation, asks PUC about schedule for major projects

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance appropriating $217,736,000 of San Francisco Water Revenue Bonds (2006 Series A) to support projects under the Water System Improvement Program and approved an ordinance to reflect additional positions at the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the City Attorney’s Office.

Supervisor McGoldrick asked PUC deputy general manager Tony Irons whether the multi-billion-dollar program remained on schedule and on budget. Irons answered that the program remained on budget and on schedule. He summarized four major projects included in the program: the San Joaquin Pipeline system, the Irvington Tunnel, the Calaveras Dam, and the Harry Tracy Water Treatment Plant. Irons said none of the major projects had been awarded general construction contracts yet and provided estimated construction windows: Harry Tracy anticipated for construction around February 2011 (the last of the four), Calaveras Dam about two years from the meeting (design about 35–40% complete and estimated to go to construction award within two years), and the San Joaquin pipeline and Irvington Tunnel anticipated to enter construction within three to four years.

Supervisor Ellsburn and budget analysts pressed the controller’s office and PUC staff on monitoring the new positions added to the budget (23 positions overall referenced during questions); Controller staff said they would monitor and report on staffing and budget changes. The ordinances were passed on first reading.