Alexander Valley Water Supply, Flood Control & River Restoration
About the project:
The central reach of the Russian River in Alexander Valley provides water to local agriculture through both surface flow diversions and use of groundwater that is fed by the River. The recent drought and potential loss of the inter-basin transfer at Potter Valley has created the need for a reliable and resilient water supply for agricultural and domestic use. Additionally, the River has become increasingly prone to flooding and flood damage due to accumulation of gravels in its channel. Action has been thwarted by the multiplicity of interests involved and lack of a plan and an organization to implement the plan. This project will support the effort to create a comprehensive Russian River Management Plan through research and convening a 'River Summit' as needed to align the various organizations and interests involved.
Project Status:
Conducting the proposed "River Summit" sponsored by the GAV-MAC is estimated to $30,000 for organizing.
The County is presently considering "governance" options for implementing flood control and other improvements and there is related efforts by agricultural property owners to establish a water district to respond to water shortages.
The Summit may be focused on developing a Plan that will serve as a "project description for a "Programmatic EIR".
Given the benefit profile of the needed improvements it is appropriate that broad-based funding sources be sought for subsequent planning, environmental review, and project implementation phases of the effort.
GAV-MAC approved a recommendation for $30,000 funding from the Mitigation Fund at its November 2020 meeting; the Board of Supervisors appropriated the funding in March 2021.
GAV-MAC approved a recommendation for an additional $30,000 funding from the Mitigation Fund for supporting research and action at its August 2021 meeting; the Board of Supervisors appropriated the funding in November 2021.
