Item 26 - Grant Application for Solar Power Project

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Generation of Solar Power at Garthe and West Pump Station Facilities Project a I:I Bureau of Reclamation Water Energy and Efficiency Grant FY2022 habitat has been tremendous. According to the Pacific Institute, many of the State's environmental flows went unmet during the drought period, affecting aquatic ecosystems and decreased protections for endangered species. The recent drought has caused losses or destruction of fish and wildlife habitat, loss of wetlands, more wildfires and lower water levels in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. Dry creeks and rivers led 18 fish species to diminish to near extinction. Implementation of this project will not only reduce an equivalent amount of 933 tons of carbon dioxide, it will allow for water savings of over 101.4 AFY to remain at source, and provide an incremental increase to the over drafted river supplies. • Please describe any other ecosystem benefits as a direct result of the project. As mentioned above, various ecosystems are likely to benefit including forestry, rangeland, riparian, and other ecosystems that rely on air and water quality as a direct result of the project. • Will the project directly result in more efficient management of the water supply? For example, will the project provide greater flexibility to water managers, resulting in a more efficient use of water supplies? On an annual basis, the Project is expected to save an average of over 101.4 AFY of water and over 1,014 AFY in 10 years throughout the western United States, allowing these additional water supplies to be more efficiently managed by water managers, with greater flexibility to benefit multiple users. Addressing a specific water and/or energy sustainability concern(s). Will the project address a specific sustainability concern? Please address the following: • Explain and provide detail of the specific issue(s) in the area that is impacting water sustainability, such as shortages due to drought and/or climate change, increased demand, or reduced deliveries. Yes, the proposed Project will address two important sustainability concerns: energy sustainability and water sustainability; both are being experienced in the Project area, the state of California, and throughout the western United States. Water: The Project addresses the water sustainability concerns by saving over 101.4 AFY of water, making these additional water supplies available to other users. Water sustainability in the project area and throughout western United States is a very serious concern. According to the U.S Drought Monitor, the Project area is currently 11 PREVIEW Date: Nov 03, 2021 Workspace ID: WS00800354 Funding Opportunity Number: R22AS00023