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REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 7, 2011 TITLE RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PRADO BASIN FEASIBILITY STUDY 7 CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDED ACTION CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY: APPROVED ❑ As Recommended ❑ As Amended ❑ Ordinance on Vt Reading ❑ Ordinance on 2"d Reading ❑ Implementing Resolution ❑ Set Public Hearing For CONTINUED TO FILE NUMBER Adopt a resolution expressing support for the Orange County Water District's Prado Basin Feasibility Study. DISCUSSION The Orange County Water District (OCWD) has a long history of supporting ecosystem restoration projects in the central Santa Ana River watershed. OCWD is proposing a Prado Basin Feasibility Study that will facilitate solutions for regional ecosystem restoration and sediment management by employing a multijurisdictional, integrated watershed approach. Among other important benefits, the study will help preserve critical habitat of endangered species and reduce demand on water from the California Bay Delta system. The study will include an evaluation of methods for increasing storm water capture at the Prado Basin. Increasing storm water capture at Prado can provide up to an additional 30,000 acre -feet of water annually -- enough water for nearly 250,000 people. The study would help save the ratepayers in the region up to $24 million annually by avoiding the high cost of importing water through the fragile Bay Delta or from the oversubscribed Colorado River, while also reducing our dependence on those sources. The study provides a model of regional collaboration for Southern California water agencies seeking to reduce impacts to the delta, protect and restore fragile ecosystems, and enhance water supply utilizing local resources. For these reasons, it is recommended that the City of Santa Ana adopt a resolution supporting the Prado Basin Feasibility Study. 55A -1