HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 5, 2010 D-099 AGENDA ITEM Wo
ta CITY OF LODI
,. • COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Im
AGENDA TITLE: Authorize the Mayor, on Behalf of the City Council, to Send a Letter in Support of
AB 1594 Regarding Prohibiting Construction of the Peripheral Canal
MEETING DATE: May 5, 2010
PREPARED BY: City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, to send a letter in
support of AB 1594 regarding prohibiting construction of the
Peripheral Canal.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Assemblywoman Huber's office has asked the City of Lodi to send a
letter supporting AB 1594, which would prohibit construction of a
peripheral canal unless authorized by the State Legislaturevia a
public vote.
In addition, the bill would require several steps prior to construction of a peripheral canal:
The LegislativeAnalyst's Office would have to complete an economic feasibility analysis before
the Legislature could authorize construction;
Construction and operation of a peripheral canal may not diminish or negatively affect water
supplies, water rights or quality of water for water users within the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta
watershed;
A canal may not impose any new burdens on infrastructurewithin, or financial burdens on
persons residing in the Delta or Delta watershed.
The City has several reasons to support this legislation, which is largely opposed by water agencies in
favor of exporting more Delta water to the south. The City has a long-term contract to purchase
Mokelumne Riverwater and does not want that agreement affected by interests outside this area; the
Mokelumne River provides recreational and quality -of -life benefits to Lodi that may be affected by a
peripheral canal, and the Lodi community has made significant investments in wastewater treatment and
electricity generation on City property near Interstate 5, facilities whose operations may be adversely
affected by a peripheral canal.
C•
Blair King
City Manager
APPROVED:
Blair King,_�ity anager