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Groundwater Authority updates pipeline design, grant closeout and consolidation progress
Summary
Steve Johnson said the authority is finalizing pipeline design (90% and 100% milestones expected this year), awaiting about $1.2 million from a state implementation grant, and received a resiliency grant of nearly $3 million to supplement planning and design; staff gave a consolidation update on Rademacher and Stark Street easements.
The Groundwater Authority received progress updates on pipeline design, grant closeout and system consolidations on Tuesday.
Steve Johnson of Stetson Engineers told the board the implementation grant closeout is underway and the authority has a request in with the Department of Water Resources for about $1.2 million in final payments and invoices. Johnson said the pipeline-design team expects a 90% and then a 100% design submittal this calendar year and that consultants will complete final technical memos on tanks, electrical systems, corrosion control and permitting.
On environmental review Johnson said the team expects a draft environmental assessment to begin a 45-day public comment period once edits related to Edison infrastructure are incorporated, and that a final environmental assessment and an EIR would follow. He added that right-of-way acquisition work is progressing and that a consolidated program-management schedule for the pipeline will be prepared.
Johnson also reported that the authority received nearly $3 million through a resiliency and sustainability grant intended to supplement planning and design work for the pipeline and related projects. "This grant is gonna help supplement that work," he said.
Rademacher and Stark Street consolidations: Renee (staff) updated the board on consolidation work. She said Rademacher phase one is complete; phase two still requires three easements (one owner has indicated willingness to sign if a larger meter can be accommodated). Stark Street has a separate exemption filed and construction plans are about 95% complete; Renee said if easements can be secured the State Water Resources Control Board branch could provide construction funding or increase the amount already awarded for the related June contract.
Why it matters: the design and funding schedule determines when construction can begin, and securing easements is required to order supplies and proceed. Johnson noted some permitting and design items remain but that "work is proceeding" toward the year's design milestones.
Next steps: consultants will continue design and technical memos, staff will pursue outstanding easement signings and invoice final payments to close implementation grants.
