MINUTES
Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council
October 31, 2008
USGS Building #3
2255 N Gemini Drive,
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Water Advisory Council Members Present
Liz Archuleta, Chairman, Coconino County
Carl Taylor, Supervisor, Coconino County
Sara Presler, City of Flagstaff
John Kocjan, City of Page
Rob Adams, City of Sedona
Joelynn Roberson, Hopi Tribe
Robert Kirk, Navajo Nation
Barry Baker, Tusayan-Valle
Palma Wilson, Grand Canyon National Park
Don Bills, U.S. Geological Survey
Bob Michaels, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Brenda Smith, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Tom Whitmer, Arizona Department of Water Resources
Matt Capalby, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Ron Sieg, Arizona Game and Fish Department
Brenda Burman, The Nature Conservancy
Michael Macauley, Coconino NRCD
Nikolai Lash, Grand Canyon Trust
Joelynn Roberson, Vice-Chairman, opened the meeting and began with introductions by those present.
The first item on the agenda was approval of the minutes from the September 26, 2008 WAC meeting. On a motion by Tom Whitmer, seconded by Brenda Smith, the minutes were unanimously approved as submitted.
The next item was a presentation entitled “Financial Overview for Customers” by Suzanne Grinsted and Rick Zaffarese-Leavitt from the Bureau of Reclamation. The presentation was an overview of the federal budget process, particularly where the Bureau of Reclamation’s funding comes from, how projects are funded, and how cost sharing of projects works. The presentation addressed the budget on the national and regional basis and included key legislation, financial management legislation, and performance accountability. The presenters said that the federal budget process takes 2 ½ -3 years and that they are now working on the 2011 budget, and it was noted that the budget must be approved by Congress and the President. Funding sources include Congressional (water and related resources, restoration, policy and administration) and non-congressional (permanent appropriations and revolving funds), and an “other” category of reimbursable and cost-sharing. The presentation included cost tracking, and charging principles and philosophy. In conclusion the presenters noted that Reclamation keeps customers informed and in the process.
The next agenda item was a presentation and update on the Rural Water Supply Act of 2006, which was made by Bob Michaels, Bureau of Reclamation. Bob reviewed the provisions of the act, which he said authorizes feasibility and appropriates up to $15 million through September 30, 2016. He reviewed the Rural Water Program Goals, and what it does and does not do. The Act, Mr. Michaels explained, establishes a Rural Water Supply Program within the Bureau of Reclamation and includes authorization for feasibility level investigations without requiring specific Congressional authorization for such; it also authorizes grants, cooperative agreements and cost sharing on study efforts. Bob noted that construction funding and support activities are subject to further Congressional authorization. Bob said that the program is for projects designed to serve communities or a group of communities, each of which has a population of less than 50,000 with domestic, industrial, municipal, and residential water. An exception to this can be considered under certain conditions, and subject to Secretarial approval towns or communities with a population of over 50,000 can be included in a project.
Mr. Michaels said that the application process is still under development, but explained what generally will need to be included, and the process for reviewing and ranking applications. Carl Taylor asked at what point do they need the money for cost share, and if CPWAC members can bank hours. Bob said that they are already accumulating hours and will continue to; there will need to be hard dollars at time of construction. There was discussion about getting feasibility authority under the program first and then funding.
Bob reviewed the timeline stating that they expect to have rules in Federal Register in November/December with a 50-60-day comment period.
There was further discussion regarding the ability of the CPWAC to pursue feasibility authorization for the North Central Arizona Water Supply Study through this program and the timing for making such an application. Carl Taylor asked if WAC is a legal entity to contract with the federal government. Bob said that they have an existing agreement through ADWR.
After further discussion the WAC thanked Bob for his presentation.
Next on the agenda were committee reports.
Leslie Meyers, TAC Chair, reported on the AWI Research Project, that there will be a final presentation at the December meeting. She mentioned that the TAC is pursuing two proposals with AWI for the next round of grants, including phase 2 of at-risk waters and a statewide modeling proposal.
Joanne Keene, GAC Chair, reported that the Government Affairs Committee is considering a breakfast meeting with state legislators on December 9 at 9:30 to introduce them to the CPWAC. She said that AMWUA is invited to the January 30 meeting to present on their legislative agenda, she mentioned that the GAC is discussing the rural water supply application for feasibility authorization per the presentation by Bob Michaels, and the GAC meeting on November 10 at 10 am. to work on the strategic plan and committee work plan.
Patricia Cox, POC Chair, gave a power point presentation that has been developed for use in presentations informing groups on the WAC. She said that it is meant to be tailored to specific groups with additional information as needed. Liz suggested a bit more information on the appraisal study. Sue will send the power point presentation to members for feedback.
Patricia said that the next meeting will be December 4 at 10 a.m. at USGS to review strategic plan and asked for more people to serve on the POC. Liz reminded everyone that committees are open to anyone from member organizations, not just the WAC representatives.
Next was an update on SWAG and other state legislative issues given by Tom Whitmer. He said that the budget issues are affecting any possible legislation that may be proposed. Some legislation that is being considered includes methods to generate revenues for ADWR including fees on wells, enforcement for illegal detention/diversion of surface waters, providing for the director to approve emergency inter basin transport and intra basin transfers of effluent, and funding for rural water. He reported that the Department is completing the rulemaking process related to SB1575 on water adequacy.
Sara Presler mentioned that the League of Cities and Towns was establishing a water subcommittee and that they are also asking for the league to advocate for ADWR funding.
Chairman Archuleta reviewed the budget commitments that she has received so far: Hopi, The Nature Conservancy, County, and Sedona, with Page and Flagstaff still following up through their respective councils. Navajo hasn’t discussed yet, but it still looks positive. Liz said that she is working with the Mayor of Williams through County Supervisor Matt Ryan. Nikolai reported that the Grand Canyon Trust does not have any money this year, noting that they will be doing their strategic planning next month and will know where their efforts will be directed.
Chairman Archuleta said that the Executive Committee will be making a recommendation to the WAC regarding the Coordinator position, estimating a salary for $35,000 to $40,000 for a part time position.
It was noted that the November and December WAC meetings will be combined into one extended meeting on Friday, December 5, from 9-12. There was discussion about the agenda for that day, which was going to primarily be about the strategic plan and the water ethic.
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.