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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6 Prosser Dam Road CEQA Agenda Item # 6 DistrictPublic Utility PUBLIC HEARING To: Board of Directors From: Neil Kaufman Date: March 18, 2009 Subject: Prosser Dam Road Pipeline CEQA Initial Study 1. WHY THIS MATTER IS BEFORE THE BOARD The Board set a public hearing date of March 18, 2009 to receive written and oral input from the public regarding the proposed CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline project. 2. HISTORY During the Fall of 2008, the District conducted discussions with property owners along Prosser Dam Road regarding the status of the private wells in that area. The property owners along Prosser Dam Road were unable to reach agreement regarding the funding of the new pipeline and the project was put on hold. However, the possibility exists that funding may be available through the economic stimulus legislation currently under consideration by the US Congress. This legislation will route economic stimulus funds for construction of water infrastructure through the existing Drinking Water State Revolving Fund administered by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). CDPH requires that the environmental review of proposed projects be completed at the time of application. Therefore, the CEQA review for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline must be completed if economic stimulus funds will be sought. The CEQA Initial Study for the Prosser Dam Road Pipeline was approved by the Board on February 18, 2009. The current project schedule is: February 18, 2009 - Board Approval of CEQA Initial Study March 18, 2009 - Public Hearing on CEQA Initial Study April 1, 2009 - Adoption of Final CEQA Document Advertising for bids would not occur until money for the project is secured by the District from the State. If grants through the economic stimulus program are not given to the District, the project would not proceed to advertising for bids. 3. NEW INFORMATION The thirty day public comment period will expire on March 24, 2009. 4. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this item. 5. RECOMMENDATION Conduct the public hearing to receive written and oral input from the public regarding the proposed CEQA Mitigated Negative Declaration. Ed Taylor Michael D. Holley Water Utility Manager General Manager