Report Prepared by: Ken F. Elwin, Director of Public Works / Interim City Engineer
Title
SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding Among Agencies Within the Merced Groundwater Sub-Basin Following the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
REPORT IN BRIEF
An introduction to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and adoption of a Memorandum of Understanding with various water agencies within the Merced Groundwater Sub-Basin following the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with various water agencies within the Merced Groundwater Sub-Basin following the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Modify the action (specify in motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue item to a future City Council meeting (date and time to be specified in the City Council motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Article II, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
In September 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed a three-bill package known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The legislation allows local agencies to customize groundwater sustainability plans to their regional economic and environmental needs. SGMA creates a framework for sustainable, local groundwater management for the first time in California history. Sustainable groundwater management means managing our precious water for future generations, while balancing the more immediate needs of our economy, environment and essential human health and safety.
In September 2015, Governor Brown signed SB 13 by Senator Fran Pavley. The Bill makes various technical, clarifying changes to SGMA, including requirements for groundwater sustainability agency formation, the process for State Water ...
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