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Cotati backs WAC statement of interest on Eel River/ERPA diversion, urges clear cost‑benefit accounting
Summary
The council directed its WAC member to support a statement of interest asking Sonoma Water and partner agencies to clarify benefits and cost allocations for the proposed Eel River/ERPA diversion and new facility; staff warned the operation could cost millions annually and that benefits to Cotati may be limited.
Cotati’s council gave direction Oct. 28 for its Water Advisory Committee representative, Laura Sparks, to support a statement of interest prepared by the technical advisory committee (TAC) about the proposed Eel River Project Authority (ERPA) facility and water diversion agreement.
Public works director Craig Scott summarized the concern: the proposed diversion and new facility would require large capital and operating commitments and “there’s millions, tens of millions of dollars that are being committed, and it’s not tied to receiving water.” Scott told council that operational costs could be on the order of $5,000,000 per year and cautioned that local contractors could pay for significant operations even in years when they receive little or no diverted water.
Council members emphasized the need for transparency about cost allocation and the relative benefit Cotati and other contractors would receive. Council Member Harvey said Cotati must ensure any costs passed to local ratepayers are commensurate with the local benefit; the council voted to instruct the city’s WAC member to communicate the city’s priorities at the next water advisory meeting.
