Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement between the City of League City and the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District (HGSD) for participation in the “Learning to be Water Wise” Program for an amount not to exceed $12,031.80 (Director of Public works)
Background:
Approval of this resolution will authorize an interlocal agreement that re-establishes participation in the “Learning to be Water Wise” program. Since its inception in 1994, the City of League City has participated annually in sponsoring local Clear Creek ISD schools in the Water Wise Program. This program is part of the City’s water conservation outreach. It is primarily managed by The Harris-Galveston County Subsidence District. The Water Wise program curriculum benefits approximately 65,000 school children each year. League City proposes to sponsor school(s) only within League City, city limits. The cost of the program is based upon a per student charge of $36.46 which covers all student materials going into local 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms within Clear Creek ISD school district for the 2020 - 2021 school year.
The main component of the curriculum is “learning by doing”, and the materials provided to the students include a water conservation kit that goes home with the student, printed student material, and teacher curriculum. Our contribution provides kits to 330 students each year. The Subsidence District works with all school districts in Harris, Galveston and Fort Bend counties. The decision for which schools participate is up to the Subsidence District and the school district. The Subsidence District is the government entity that regulates groundwater pumpage in Harris and Galveston counties, in an effort to minimize subsidence.
The Subsidence District added a COVID-19 contingency plan should there be school closures that prevent delivery of the program and the District is unable to fulfill the sponsorship. The sponsorship will then be allocated to the District’s Water Conservation Education Program. This will ensure the City’s receipt of its’ allocated groundwater credits. All revenue received through sponsorships are restricted for use only within the Water Conservation Program, which consists of the Water Wise school program, the competitive water conservation grant program, and the operation and maintenance of the Water My Yard program; which in cooperation with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides education on efficient outdoor water use.
League City’s current groundwater allocation is 10% of the annual demand, and any volume that exceeds the allocated percentage is subject to disincentive fees in the amount of $9.24/1000 gallons. When needed, the Groundwater Credits are redeemed to increase the groundwater allocation by the amount of the water conservation credit, but not to exceed 30% of the City’s total water demand for the annual permit term.
Historically, the City has never exceeded the 10% groundwater allocation. The benefit of acquiring and banking groundwater credits is their availability for use during extreme drought or emergency demand events. In exchange for participation in this program, the City receives Series B Groundwater Credits issued by the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District for every student sponsored in the amount of 84,000 gallons per student sponsored.
Attachments:
1. Data Sheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Exhibit A- Interlocal Agreement
4. Groundwater Credit Spreadsheet
FUNDING
{X} Funds in the amount of $12,031.80 are available from Water Production’s Professional Services Account# 10207300-53050
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor #1 - Develop and Maintain Infrastructure by promoting sustainability value through Water Conservation Outreach Program