Water resources staff outline major grants and seek bridging funds for invasive‑mussel prevention

Water resources and special‑district staff told the board they expect about $39.4 million in special‑district budgets and grant‑funded capital work across water and wastewater systems, including Spring Valley distribution reconstruction, Northwest septic station construction, and generator purchases for resiliency.

Deputy special‑district and water resources staff highlighted ongoing grant applications (State Water Resource Control Board, USDA disaster grants, and federal earmarks), multi‑year CIP work, and a proposed upgrade to an integrated asset management and utility billing system. Staff said some projects carry substantial grant funding that may appear in the final budget as carryovers.

The Watershed Protection District sought to add previously approved appropriations (including a $200,000 deposit tied to a planning agreement with PG&E for the Middle Creek project) and requested an additional bridging appropriation of about $270,000 to maintain invasive‑mussel prevention staffing while grant awards are decided. Staff also proposed raising some program fees (stickers, tournament permits) to pursue longer‑term revenue sustainability.

Supervisors and staff agreed to defer final action on the extraordinary requests (budget unit 8109) so staff can check reserves and supply a final funding plan at the next board session. Staff noted ramp monitors and decontamination capacity are time‑sensitive and asked for follow‑up to avoid lapses in lake protection coverage.

Next steps: Board asked staff to return with options (use of restricted reserves, reallocation, or direct appropriation) for the $270,000 request and to provide mid‑year updates on grant awards and ramp‑monitor funding before any final allocation.