Report Prepared by: Ken Elwin, Director of Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Report Overview and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Merced Groundwater Basin
REPORT IN BRIEF
Report on the Merced Groundwater Sustainability Plan and consideration of adopting a Resolution authorizing the execution of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Merced Groundwater Basin.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion adopting Resolution 2019-81, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, authorizing execution of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Merced Groundwater Basin.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approving Resolution 2019-81, 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 and California Water Code Section 10720-10737.8.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
In September 2014, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed a three-bill package known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act:
* Provides for sustainable management of groundwater basins;
* Enhances local management of groundwater consistent with rights to use or store groundwater;
* Establishes minimum standards for effective, continuous management of groundwater;
* Provides local groundwater agencies with the authority, technical, and financial assistance needed to maintain groundwater supplies;
* Avoids or minimizes impacts for land subsidence;
* Improves data collection and understanding of groundwater resources and management;
* Increases groundwater storage and removes impediments to recharge;
* Empowers local agencies to manage groundwater basin...
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