BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Update on Exploratory Efforts to Update and Enhance the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program for a Future Funding Measure.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. *Receive information on potential new program development, specifically input received from the Capital Improvement Program Committee, potential capital projects, Blue Ribbon Forum;
B. *Receive new and updated information on program development, including public education, engagement efforts, community input, new polling information; and
C. *Provide input on the development of a draft Community-Preferred Plan.
Body
SUMMARY:
Overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2012, the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection (Safe, Clean Water) Program is a 15-year parcel tax and provides a strategy to support uninterrupted water resources services in Santa Clara County. The program was developed through community collaboration and input from residents and stakeholders that identified five top community priorities:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards, and Contaminants from our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply from Earthquakes and Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide for Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Business, Schools and Highways
The Safe, Clean Water Program, funds approximately one-third of the existing watershed and stewardship budgeted programs. Valley Water is faced with challenges due to: climate change; population/economic growth and future uncertainties with imported water supplies; as well as regulatory delays in permitting; aging infrastructure; ongoing operations, maintenance, and environmental mitigation costs; and securing funding for enhanced level of community-preferred projects.
The November 2020 presidential election may provide an opportunity for the Board to explore placing a measure for voters t...
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