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C. 28

To:	Board of Supervisors
From:	John Kopchik, Director, Conservation & Development Department
Date:	May 23, 2023

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

Consider Adopting a Resolution Supporting the Wetland Mosaic Landscape on Webb Tract Project

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 05/23/2023

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II Supervisor
Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Ken Carlson, District IV Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V Supervisor

Contact:

Ryan Hernandez, 925-655-2919

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: May 23, 2023
Monica Nino, County Administrator

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ADOPT Resolution No. 2023/193, to support the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's grant application to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy for the planning phase of the Wetland Mosaic Landscape Project on Webb Tract.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No cost to the County or the Water Agency to support the proposed Wetland Mosaic Landscape on Webb Tract Project.

BACKGROUND:

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) has submitted a grant application in the amount of $20,907,371 to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy for the Wetland Mosaic Landscape on Webb Tract Project. MWD owns the entire island in the central Delta called Webb Tract and it is located in the northeastern portion of Contra Costa County, north of Bethel Island and southwest of Bouldin Island. Webb Tract is situated entirely within the Primary Zone of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. MWD purchased Webb Tract in 2016 along with three other islands (Bouldin, Bacon, and Holland). Historically, Webb Tract was used to farm corn and is now leased for cattle grazing.

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

MWD proposes a two-phase project, first planning then implementation, to design and construct up to 3,000 acres of managed, flooded wetlands and up to 1,500 acres of rice fields on Webb Tract. The acreages and precise locations within the Tract will be determined through the planning process. The main objectives of the Project are to stop ongoing organic soil subsidence, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated through increased carbon sequestration opportunities, develop sustainable agriculture opportunities, investigate sustainable water management practices, and study how managed wetlands may augment the Delta pelagic food web in line with goals of MWD's Climate Action Plan and the Delta Plan. MWD’s Project aims to develop a mosaic of land covers that may include grassland/upland habitat, willow riparian scrub, and other habitat types in addition to managed wetlands and rice. MWD has indicated they will work with local interested parties, farmers, and a design firm to develop the mosaic of expected land uses that are consistent with the existing topography.

The Conservancy staff is recommending a two-phased funding approach. Phase One is $3,221,199, the planning phase. It will include design, environmental documentation, pre-construction monitoring, permitting, and public outreach. Phase Two is $17,686,172, the implementation phase, will include construction, post-construction monitoring, and a final report.

Staff recommends the Board adopt Resolution No. 2023/193 supporting MWD's grant application for Phase One of the Wetland Mosaic Landscape, the planning phase. Staff recommends the Board consider a position on Phase Two later, once the plan is formulated.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

Without the County's resolution of support for the the first phase of the Wetland Mosaic Landscape Project on Webb Tract, MWD's application for grant funding may not be as competitive and MWD may not receive the grant funding to complete the planning phase of the project.