SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) on Tuesday recommended three grants in Santa Cruz County totaling $4 million to help the development of state-mandated groundwater sustainability plans. Once finalized, the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) will receive $1 million, and the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency (MGA) and Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) will each receive $1.5 million. Funding for the grant comes from Proposition 1, passed by voters in 2014. Before funding is finalized, DWR is holding a public comment period will be open until February 21, at 5:00 p.m.
“We are very excited about the news from DWR,” said Sierra Ryan, Water Resources Planner for Santa Cruz County, a member of both the SMGWA and MGA. “The Groundwater Sustainability Plans for our local basins are an important step toward securing our water future, and will consider programs and projects to improve water supply resiliency for residents, as well as benefit fish and wildlife. The grants will represent a significant reduction in the costs of developing these plans.”
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The Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGWA) is a joint powers authority comprised of the Scotts Valley Water District, San Lorenzo Valley Water District and the County of Santa Cruz, to oversee the groundwater management activities in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin in Santa Cruz County. Learn more at www.smgwa.org.
The Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency (SCMGA) is a joint powers authority comprised of the Soquel Creek Water District, the City of Santa Cruz, Central Water District, and the County of Santa Cruz, to oversee groundwater management activities in the Mid-County Basin. Learn more at www.midcountygroundwater.org.
The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PVWMA) oversees groundwater management in the Lower Pajaro Valley, which includes portions of Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. Learn more at www.pvwater.org.