ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
3.	Consider AUTHORIZATION FOR GENERAL MANAGER TO amend CONTRACT FOR Los Padres Dam Alternatives Study
Meeting Date:		April 12, 2021	Budgeted:	Yes
From:		Dave Stoldt,	Program/	Augment Water Supply
		General Manager	Line Item No.:	1-1-2 Los Padres Dam Long Term Plan
Prepared By:		Thomas Christensen	Cost Estimate:	$94,220 (reimbursed)
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on April 12, 2021 and recommended __________________.
CEQA Compliance: This action does not constitute a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines section 15378.

SUMMARY: The District and Cal-Am are working cooperatively to develop a comprehensive long-term management plan for Los Padres Dam and Reservoir. Part of this process includes the Los Padres Alternatives Study (Study). The cost for this Study was developed in 2016 and the District entered into a contract with AECOM in early 2017. The reports were supposed to be finalized in 2018. However, there has been significant input from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with regards to technical aspects of the Study related to sediment, steelhead, and modeled Carmel River flows. Much of this review by CDFW and NMFS is complete, and AECOM is now preparing to complete the remaining tasks of the Study and incorporate some new information from NMFS’ own steelhead studies on the Carmel River. AECOM has requested a contract amendment because their original cost proposal did not account for this long of a study duration (annual rate increases), additional technical review meetings, and incorporation of new steelhead studies (Exhibit 3-A).

The Study focuses on three main alternatives: 1) management of existing and future sediment accumulation in the reservoir; 2) expansion of reservoir storage; and 3) dam removal. To finalize the Study, AECOM needs to evaluate the effects on steelhead from different alternatives, identify feasible alternatives, and prepare a final report.

RECOMMENDATION: The Administrative Committee should review AECOM’s budget amendment request and forward their recommendation to the full Board. It is important to note that Cal-Am has agreed to reimburse the District and fund this budget amendment request.

DISCUSSION: Many of the delays in completing the Study have been outside of AECOM’s control. AECOM has also attended additional meetings with CDFW and NOAA to help work towards a final document that addresses their concerns.

EXHIBIT

3-A AECOM Budget Amendment Request

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