For Utilities Commission Meeting [November 16, 2021]
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Commission
APPROVAL: Thomas J. Crowley, P.E., Utilities Manager
Title
Receive and File an Update on the City of Rialto/Rialto Utility Authority’s Grant Application to the US Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program, Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2022.
(RECEIVE AND FILE)
Body
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow) Program provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to stretch and secure water supplies for future generations in support of the Department’s priorities. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and local entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply sustainability through investments in existing infrastructure and attention to local water conflicts.
As of July, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that more than 93% of the land in nine of the Western states is in drought conditions, and nearly 60% of the area is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance to water managers for projects that seek to conserve and use water more efficiently and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Projects funded through the WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants program will conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of hydropower; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States.
The estimated program funding is $15 million with a maximum grant opportunity of $2 million for projects that would be completed in three years or $500,000 for projects that would be completed in two years. There will be a 50% cost share if the City is successful in applying for this grant. The estimated project cost is $6,761,169. If the City is successful in receiving a $2 million grant, the City’s portion of the project would be $4,761,169.
The City believes the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project would be appropriate for this grant program. AMI is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers. This will help households reduce their water and energy consumption, lowering their bills and carbon emissions.
The grant application was presented to the Water Subcommittee on October 27, 2021.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The requested action does not impact the Operating Budget or the Capital Improvement Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Utilities Commission receive and file an update on the City of Rialto/Rialto Utility Authority’s grant application to the US Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program, Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2022.