Title
Approval of Interlocal Agreement Between the Cities of Olympia, Lacey and Yelm for Implementing Deschutes Water Rights Mitigation Strategy- Phase IV
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Interlocal Agreement Between the Cities of Olympia, Lacey and Yelm for Implementation of the Deschutes Water Rights Mitigation Strategy- Phase IV and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve an Interlocal Agreement to continue water rights mitigation in the Deschutes basin with the Cities of Lacey and Yelm.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Presenter(s):
None
Background and Analysis:
For several years, the Cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Yelm worked together to develop collaborative mitigation strategies for the Deschutes River Basin associated with our applications for new water rights. Each City has its own mitigation plan, approved by the Washington State Department of Ecology. These plans include strategies for acquiring additional water rights, purchasing land, and restoring habitat.
Over the past eight years the cities worked to complete required mitigation under three previous interlocal agreements (Phases I - III). This interlocal agreement initiates Phase IV work at the Deschutes River Farm, purchased by the three cities in May 2011. Authorized mitigation work under the Phase IV agreement includes:
· Project and property management
· Vegetation maintenance
· Engineering design
· Permitting
This interlocal agreement authorizes the three cities to spend $165,800. All costs will be shared equally by the three cities. Olympia's one-third share will not exceed $55,267.
Construction of the restoration projects will be done under a separate interlocal agreement. This agreement will be brought to Council in approximately two years, after design and permitting work authorized by this agreement is complete.
The Lacey and Yelm City Councils are also considering approval of this interlocal agreement during their meetings this month.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The three cities continue to communicate with the Squaxin Island Tribe on ideas for possible future restoration projects at the Deschutes River Farm.
Options:
· Approve the interlocal agreement with the cities of Lacey and Yelm to implement required water rights mitigation actions. This will ensure compliance with Olympia's required water rights mitigation.
· Decline or modify the interlocal agreement. This will jeopardize Olympia's ability to complete the water rights mitigation actions required by the Department of Ecology.
Financial Impact:
Olympia's share, $55,267 (one-third of the total cost), will be paid from the Drinking Water Utility Capital Fund.