BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Government Code § 84308 Applies: Yes ☐ No ☒
(If “YES” Complete Attachment A - Gov. Code § 84308)
SUBJECT: Title
Approve Staff’s Recommendation to Support Dissolution of the Los Vaqueros Expansion Joint Powers Authority.
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommendation
A. Receive an Update on the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project;
B. Consider and Approve Staff’s recommendation to support dissolution of the Los Vaqueros Expansion Joint Powers Authority; and
C. Provide direction to Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Los Vaqueros Expansion Joint Powers Authority representative
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SUMMARY:
On November 6, 2024, the Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) Board voted to adopt a resolution that authorized CCWD’s General Manager to (1) withdraw CCWD’s Los Vaqueros Expansion Project (Project) Proposition 1 Water Storage Improvement Program (WSIP) application and (2) to coordinate and work with the Los Vaqueros Expansion Joint Powers Authority (LVE JPA) staff and LVE JPA member agencies to begin dissolution of the LVE JPA. This action followed earlier discussion during CCWD’s September 18, 2024, Board meeting, where the CCWD Board expressed concerns over the viability of the Project. The CCWD Board cited several factors in their decision to withdraw their support for the project, including the risk to CCWD’s water supply and water quality during construction on the dam, the reduction in the project benefits due to tightening regulatory and permitting restrictions, and significant cost increases. The CCWD November 6th Board Agenda memo, which summarizes many of the concerns expressed by the CCWD Board, has been included as Attachment 1.
CCWD’s November 6th Board action was discussed during the LVE JPA’s November 13, 2024, Board meeting, with the LVE JPA Board ultimately directing LVE JPA staff to bring a plan for dissolution of the LVE JPA to the LVE JPA’s January 8, 2025, Board meeting. Dissolution of the LVE JPA would require an affirmative vote of 75% of the LVE JPA members as well as a ratification vote of 75% of the LVE JPA member agency home boards.
Since the Project utilizes CCWD facilities, the Project cannot move ahead without CCWD’s participation. Therefore, Staff recommends that the Board support dissolution of the LVE JPA and provide this direction to Santa Clara Valley Water District’s (Valley Water) LVE JPA representative. If the JPA adopts a resolution to dissolve the LVE JPA at the LVE JPA’s January 8th Board meeting, Valley Water staff would return to the Board in February so the Board can ratify the LVE JPA’s resolution.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY IMPACT:
This agenda item is not subject to environmental justice analysis due to the lack of likely adverse impacts. Additionally, the agenda item consists of information and direction for staff only, and therefore, no equity opportunities exist.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Since the Project cannot move ahead without CCWD’s participation, cost projections for the Project will be removed from future biennial budgets and water charge projections, beginning in FY 2025-26. Staff will provide preliminary water charge projections at the January 14, 2025, Board meeting, incorporating the removal of the Project. At the current participation level of 20,000 acre-feet of storage capacity, Valley Water’s share of the Project’s capital costs was $195 million with an estimated annual variable cost of $1.9 million per year, both in 2023 dollars.
CEQA:
The recommended action does not constitute a project under CEQA because it does not have a potential for resulting in direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1: CCWD 110624 LVE Board Item
Attachment 2: PowerPoint
UNCLASSIFIED MANAGER: Manager
Vincent Gin, 408-630-2633