Attachment 9 – Past Performance
The District has had several successful grant endeavors over the last several years. The District has been able to accomplish several improvements to District facilities and water management by utilizing grant funds. The District has applied for LGA Grant Assistance in the past, however has not been awarded any funding. Listed below are some of the recent grant projects that have been awarded and completed by the District:
Field Services Grant – FY 2007
Under this grant the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) provided $50,000 to install and implement an automated release gate at Tagus Basin. This automated gate is utilized to control canal levels and flows to downstream users. The project was completed within the predetermined timeframe and budget, and the structure has provided improved water management capabilities along with water savings.
Field Services Grant – FY 2008
The USBR has provided $50,000 to install a water measurement station for a canal system that is located downstream of a regulation basin. The project will allow the District to monitor flows and adjust canal levels to meet grower demands more efficiently and reduce the risk of out-of-system spills. The project was completed this year; however, it is awaiting commencement of the next irrigation season to test and implement the system. The project was unable to meet the timeframe allowed due to scheduling conflicts within the District and various irrigation runs within the District. The cost of the project came in under budget.
WaterSMART Grant – FY 2009
The USBR provided $300,000 to construct a groundwater recharge basin on the northeast side of the District called the Plum Basin. This basin is a partnership with the City of Tulare to provide wet year recharge efforts upstream of the City of Tulare. The project was completed within the specified timeframe and was completed under budget. The basin was put into service immediately in 2011 to take advantage of a wet water year cycle.
WaterSMART Grant – FY 2010
The USBR has provided $300,000 in grant funds to complete Cell #2 and Cell #3 of Plum Basin. The District received environmental clearance to proceed with the project in the Summer 2011 and has completed a majority of work on Cell #2. Given delays in the environmental review process (federal) and conflicts with District construction staffing the District anticipates that this project will be slightly behind schedule. The District is currently working with the Bureau to determine the exact extension required.
WaterSMART Grant – FY 2010
The USBR has provided $700,000 in grant funds to install a water reuse pipeline to deliver treated water from the City of Visalia Wastewater Treatment Plant to the District. This project has been delayed due to environmental reviews and is pending completion of CEQA and NEPA documentation.
Proposition 84 IRWMP Grant Funding – FY 2011
In September 2011 the District was awarded approximately $1.2 million to fund the completion of Cell #2 and Cell #3 of Plum Basin. The Department of Water Resources is still working with our local Kaweah IRWMP to complete a contract.