Equitable Groundwater in the Coachella - Indio Subbasin

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

We will work in partnership with community residents in the disadvantaged unincorporated communities of Thermal, Oasis, North Shore, and Mecca along with Coachella Valley Water District, Coachella Water Authority and other Indio Subbasin stakeholders to ensure meaningful participation in groundwater sustainability activities. Many residents and neighborhoods in the four unincorporated communities are especially vulnerable to groundwater instability and contamination due to reliance on small water systems and private wells. Community engagement regarding groundwater management to ensure access for domestic uses is critical to the health and well-being of the SDAC residents and to the implementation of informed, equitable and sustainable groundwater management. Similarly, equitable and strategic groundwater management is critical to the equitable and sustainable development of the communities which will need access to reliable water sources for needed development of quality housing and services. Additionally, many community residents work in agriculture and as such should be incorporated into decisions and efforts that are designed to manage and sustain groundwater for agricultural uses. While our work will focus on the SDACs of Thermal, North Shore, Oasis and Mecca, our work will improve responsiveness to and inclusion of other area SDACs.

Goals of the project include increased engagement among residents of Thermal, Oasis, North Shore, and Mecca in groundwater sustainability efforts in the Indio Subbasin, increased incorporation of the needs of severely disadvantaged communities in groundwater management plans and projects, and mechanisms in place to facilitate greater involvement and engagement among SDAC residents in planning and decision-making related to groundwater management in the Sub-basin.

Our objectives will include increased understanding among SDAC residents of ongoing groundwater sustainability efforts; increased engagement among SDAC residents in groundwater sustainability planning activities; increased understanding among decision-makers of the unique groundwater needs and vulnerabilities in the Thermal, Oasis, North Shore, and Mecca; groundwater management plans and projects that incorporate needs and opportunities in SDACs including the four identified communities; increased number of projects that reduce vulnerability of SDACs to contaminated groundwater and drinking water; and increased communication and collaboration among SDAC residents and GSA agency staff to ensure incorporation of SDAC priorities into planning and implementation efforts and to establish protocols and mechanisms to ensure ongoing collaboration on groundwater management activities.

Our primary tasks will include reviewing existing and emerging groundwater management plans, including the GSA's proposed alternative; providing feedback to annual reports; participating in GSA meetings and activities on at least a bi-monthly basis; conducting community outreach and education on a monthly basis to ensure that SDAC residents are

aware of ongoing groundwater sustainability activities and opportunities to engage in decision­making and planning processes; developing area-specific community educational materials in English and Spanish, assessing short and long term groundwater needs and vulnerabilities in Thermal, North Shore, Mecca, and Oasis by assessing groundwater quality and quantity in those communities as well as potential threats to both; testing soil and drinking water for contaminants and pathogens if necessary; providing feedback and comments on drafts of report GSAs submit to DWR regarding progress made toward groundwater sustainability; provid ing input to and feedback on chapters and drafts of GSPs that cover and could potentially impact groundwater resources in Thermal, North Shore, Oasis, and Mecca; working with the GSA and community leaders to ensure that identified needs and vulnerabilities are addressed in groundwater sustainability plans; working with the GSA and community leaders to ensure that identified needs and vulnerabilities are addressed through groundwater sustainability projects; working with the GSA and resident leaders to develop and implement tools and processes to facilitate community engagement in implementation of the alternative plan and other sustainable groundwater activities; supporting creation of mechanisms to engage SDACs in decision­making, such as creation of a DAC advisory committee, and support of such a committee if created. Additionally, we will work with the GSA, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify, support and implement drinking water and wastewater service projects that reduce vulnerability to drinking water contamination and groundwater contamination.

We will rely on the following tools and resources to provide technical assistance and advocacy support to communities:

• GSA's sustainable groundwater planning documents and supporting data along with data related to drinking water sources and wastewater access.

• Independent well and soil testing. While much of the data is readily available we plan on conducting well and soil testing to assess drinking water and groundwater vulnerability.

• Getting Involved in Groundwater toolkit published by Union of Concerned Scientists. This resource contains resources to help residents understand the technical, political and legal aspects of groundwater management planning. More information can be found here: http://www.ucsusa.org/getting-involved-groundwater#.WgSlcYhrw2z

• Groundwater Technical Assistance Tool by Union of Concerned Scientists. This tool connects residents and communities to specialists and scientists who can help answer questions about groundwater management. More information can be found here: http://www.ucsusa.org/groundwater-technical-assistance-tool#.WgSmN4hrw2w

• Groundwater Management Simulation tool. This tool is being developed by Environmental Defense Fund alongside Leadership Counsel, Self-Help Enterprises and other organizations. It will provide an interactive presentation and exercise for residents and advocates to better understand the dynamics of groundwater management.

• Independent legal analysis to better understand the obligations of GSAs related to forming GSPs

• Online resources and databases published by the State Water Board and the Department of Water Resources regarding SGMA and GSAs.

• Community expertise regarding their needs and the conditions in the region.

As noted above we will work primarily with the communities of Thermal, Oasis, North Shore, and Mecca. All of the communities are severely disadvantaged based on census data and recent data we collected in a mobile home park in Thermal indicates that census data may even over-estimate household income: survey results revealed median household income in the park at $17,000. Many of the residents in the community are dependent on "state small" water systems and domestic wells which are vulnerable to failure, leaking, and contamination. Most "state smalls" and domestic wells provide water contaminated with arsenic and possibly Chrom-6 as well. Additionally many residents rely on inadequate waste disposal systems for treatment and disposal of both gray and black water - threatening community health and groundwater quality. Finally, there are identified affordable housing needs in the community due to overcrowded housing. Infrastructure and water resources are a necessary precursor to sustainable development for both housing and services necessary for community well-being. SDAC engagement in groundwater planning efforts will result in an increased understanding of the groundwater needs and vulnerabilities in the four communities and promote efforts to address those needs, increase responsiveness to needs and opportunities to SDACs in general, and leverage opportunities to ensure long term sustainability and health in the region.

PROJECT PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Our project may include drinking water consolidation projects and I or wastewater consolidation projects through a contract with the State Water Resources Control Board. We estimate that we will complete at least one wastewater consolidation project that will convert approximately 100 homes from septic service to municipal wastewater service. This will protect groundwater from nitrates and bacteria. We hope to complete at least one drinking water consolidation project or improvement project which will reduce vulnerability of approximately 100 residents to contamination or water scarcity and improve efficiency of water delivery.

PROJECT SUPPORT

Coachella Valley Water District and Coachella Water Authority have both provided letters of support, as well as residents from Mecca, Thermal, Oasis, and North Shore. Leadership Counsel has also participated in a disadvantaged community infrastructure task force along with CVWD and other stakeholders for over a year. The relationships and coordination that have developed through that committee form the basis of a strong working relationship with GSA members and other relevant stakeholders on groundwater management.

COACH ELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

GENERAL MANAGER Jim Barren

November 8, 2017

California Natural Resources Agency Department of Water Resources

Established in 7978 as a public agency

Division oflntegrated Regional Water Management 1416 9tl• Street, Suite 1311 Sacramento, CA 95814

To Whom It May Concern:

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Robert Cheng

The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) would like to express its support for the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability's (Leadership Counsel's) application for Category 1 funding under the State Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant Program funded by Proposition 1 and administered by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

As expressed in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), it is important for domestic well users, small water systems, and disadvantaged communities (DACs) to be included in decisions made surrounding local groundwater management and planning. CVWD contains several DACs within its boundaries, including the four communities where the Leadership Counsel will focus its outreach efforts, and seeks to ensure their inclusion in decisions about groundwater planning and management. CVWD has worked with the Leadership Counsel, and several other not-for-profit agencies, to develop a DACs infrastructure task force to address drinking water and wastewater needs in the Coachella Valley. Collaborating on SGMA implementation will complement our ongoing work and our continued collaboration.

The Leadership Counsel has worked for several years with community residents from some of the most disadvantaged communities within CVWD's boundaries including Thennal, North Shore, Mecca, and Oasis, and has expertise in relevant areas such as local governance, community engagement, access to water and wastewater services, and state and local policy. The Leadership Counsel ' s work in partnership with CVWD, along with their work in conjunction with community residents from DACs in our service area and throughout the state, will make the Leadership Counsel an excellent technical assistance (TA) provider to ensure community engagement in implementation of groundwater sustainability efforts and, in doing so, strengthen local collective efforts to plan for sustainable groundwater management.

Steve Bigley Director of Environmental Services

MN: ms\Env Srvs\SGWP Cat I CVWD Letter of Support.docx File No. 0644.105.3

Coachella Valley Water Dist rict P.O. Box 1058 Coachella, CA 92236 Phone (760) 398-2651 Fax (760) 398-3711 www.cvwd.org

November 7, 2017

California Natural Resources Agency Department of Water Resources

CITY OF COACHELLA

1515 SIXTH STREET, COACHELLA, CALIFORNIA 92236

PHONE (760) 398-3502 • FAX (760) 398-81 17 • WWW .COACHELLA.ORG

Division of Integrated Regional Water Management

To Whom It May Concern,

The Coachella Water Authority would like to express its support for Leadership Counsel's application for Category 1 funding under the State Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant Program funded by Proposition 1 and administered by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). We are collaborating with three other agencies on a GSA in the Coachella Valley - Indio sub-basin and look forward to working with Leadership Counsel to ensure sustainable and equitable groundwater management.

As expressed in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, it is of vital importance for domestic well users, small water systems, disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities, to be included in decisions made surrounding local groundwater management and planning. Severely disadvantaged communities often have the most to gain and the most to lose from projects and planning that will affect the quantity, quality and cost of access to groundwater resources.

The Coachella Water Authority is committed to ensuring community participation, and in particular participation from disadvantaged communities in implementation of its groundwater sustainability efforts. Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability has worked for several years with community residents from some of the most disadvantaged communities within the GSA boundaries -some of which border our water agency - and also have relevant expertise in sustainable water management, drinking water access, local governance, community engagement, and state and local policy. Leadership Counsel's work in partnership with local agencies, along with their work alongside community residents from disadvantaged communities in our service area and throughout the state, will make Leadership Counsel an excellent Technical Assistance (TA) provider to ensure community engagement in implementation of our Groundwater Sustainability efforts and, in doing so, strengthen our collective efforts to plan for equitable and sustainable groundwater management.

We appreciate the opportunity to submit this letter of support for the Leadership Counsel's application for Category 1 funding under the State Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant Program and look forward to working with them on this funding efforts.

Sincerely,

Maritza Martinez Public Works Director

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

California Natural Resourc~ Agency

Department of Wahn Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Water ManaRP.fm!nt

Residents of M~cr.a, CA. 92254

T<:i Whom It May concern,

As resid(!nt~ of the community of Mecca, we would like to expreS"S our support for l.eadership Counsel's

application tor Category l funding under the ~tat<' GroundwatP.r Planning (SGWP) Grant Program

tunded by Proposition 1 aod admlnlstcfed by the C;ilifornia Department cf Water Resoum~s (DWR).

As expressed In the Su~ta inable Groundwater Management Act, is of vital imp·<H1 a nc:e ford omestk well

users, small water systems and disadvantaged commonltics to bP int:luded in decisions made

~urrounding local groundw.lter manasement and planning. Disadvantaged oommunltles In particular

have the most to gain ;ind the most to lose from projects and planning that will affect the .quantity,

quality arl<l cost ot their access to groundwater resourc~s.

WF: have woriced with Leadership Counsel for Justir.P. and Accountability for many ye<m on a number of

erwironmentol justic~ ic;i;uP.5. LP.adership Counsel is uniquely posloon~d to provide tP.r.hnic.al !iupport tQ

\ IS concerninK thF: groundwater planning pror:~~s. and Lo assist us In .advoc..atin~ for our needs as the

Coachella Valley Waler District shJp~s Its Groundwater Sustainability Plan .

We look hope that you will fund LeadP.rship Counsel's work alongside us in lhi:. importimt pro<.P.s.s.

Thank v<>u,

Residents of Me<ca, CA.

California Natural Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Water Management

Community Residents

North Shore, CA. 92254

To Whom It May Concern,

As residents of the community of North Shore, we would like to express our support for leadership

Counsel' s application for Category 1 funding under the State Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant

Program funded by Proposition 1 and administered by the California Department of Water Resources

(DWR).

As expressed in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, is of vital importance for domestic well

users, small water systems and disadvantaged communities to be included in decisions made

surrounding local groundwater management and planning. Disadvantaged communities in particular have the most to gain and the most to lose from projects and planning that will affect the quantity,

quality and cost of their access to groundwater resources.

We have worked with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability for many years on a number of

environmental justice issues. Leadership Counsel is uniquely positioned to provide technical support to

us concerning the groundwater planning process, and to assist us in advocating for our needs as the

Coachella Valley Water District shapes its Groundwater Sustainability Plan.

We look hope that you will fund Leadership Counsel's work alongside us in this important process.

Thank you,

~CA. F~u--Q '.Ya 0-

Residents of North Shore Ma 1' l' {,( rf:J'Z <{ /'

VtJJv-&r~

California Nalural RP.!>Ources Agency

Department of Water Resourt~s

Division of Integrated Regional WatPr Manacement

Grupo Espetan~a

Oasis, CA. 92274

To Whom It May Conrern,

Grupo EsperanLa, from the community of Oasis in the Ee1stern Coachella Vall!:!y, would llkP to expres~

our :.upport for Leadership Counr.el's applicatton for CltP.gory 1 funding under the State Groundw;ilN

?lanninR [SGWP) Grant Program funded by Proposition 1 and administered hy the California Department

of Wnter Resourecs (OWR:).

As expr<!ssed in the Sustainable Groundwater Manat,cment Act, it is of vita I lmport.:ince tor domeSU(

well u~ers, small waler s~ems and disad'JantogP.d communiti~s to be Included in dec:i~ions madP.

r;urrounding local groundwater management and planning. Disadvantaged communities m particular

have the most to gain and the most to lase from projl?<:ts and planning that will affect the quantity,

Quality .and cost of their ac:c:P.ss to groundwater ..-esources.

We have worked with Leadership counsel for Justice and Accountability tor many ycors on '1 number of

environmental justice issues_ Lelldership Counsel is unlquely po~itioned to provide tec:hnit.al support l<l

us conc:erning the groundwater plan nine procc~s, and to assist u~ In advoc:ating tor our n~eds as CVWD

c;hapes its Groundwater Sustaint1billty Plan.

We hope that you will fund Leader.;hip Coun.sers work alonB:.ide us in this imporl;int proc~-

~ou.

leod.o . .s lo

califomla Natural Res.ources Agency

DepartmP.nt of Water Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Watet Manap,eme"t

Polanco Pafk Residents

Thermal, CA. q2274

To Whom It May Concern,

We, rl!sldcnls of Polanco Pari<s in the community of rhcrmal, would like to express our support for

Leadership Counsel's applit:alion for f.atP.gory l funding under the Slate GroundwAter Planning (SGWP)

Grant Program funded by ProflO~ition l and administered by the California DP.partment of Water

Resourc:{!S (OWR).

As expr~r.<>P.d in the Sustainable Groundwater ManagP.ment Act, is of vital importance for dom~~tir: well

u~r.;. srnall waler systems and disadYantaged communities lo be induded in decisions made

surrounding local groundwater managenent and plannins. Disadvantaged communitie:. In parllculJr have lhc most tn gain and the most to lose from projects and planning that will affect the quantity,

quality and cost of their acress to groundwater resourc:es.

We have worked wlth I eadership Counsel for Justice and ACC()Untability for manv years on i! number or environmental justice issues. Leadership Counsel IS uniquP.ty positioned to provide technlc<il support to

u~ concerning the groundwater plannlne process, and to assist us in advocating for our needs a~ th1<

Coachella Valley Water District shapes its Groundwater Sustolnabllity Plan.

We look hop~ thot you will fund leadership Counsel's work alongside us in this impornnt proce~s.

Thank vou,

Polanco Park ~esid~nts

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Equitable Groundwater in the San Joaquin Valley Kaweah Subbasin

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

We will work in partnership with community residents in the severely disadvantaged unincorporated communities of Matheny Tract, Soults Tract, and Tooleville, as well as Mid­Kaweah GSA, Greater Kaweah GSA and other Kaweah subbasin stakeholders to ensure meaningful community participation in development of groundwater sustainability plans and other groundwater sustainability activities. Residents of Matheny Tract and Soults Tract have experienced decades of exclusion from decisions regarding water and groundwater protection and access. Matheny Tract gained reliable drinking water access after years of reliance on a failing small community water system but still lacks access to public wastewater service. Soults Tract residents currently lack access to safe drinking water, relying on contaminated water from a small community water system and also lack access to wastewater treatment. Tooleville residents rely on a small community water system at threat from nitrate and chrom-6 contamination and depleting groundwater resources.

As demonstrated by their letters of support, these communities ]wish to engage in local groundwater management to ensure that their vulnerable communities have a voice in this important process.

Community engagement regarding groundwater management to ensure access for domestic uses is critical to the health and well-being of the SDAC residents and to the implementation of informed, equitable and sustainable groundwater management. Additionally, many community residents work in agriculture and as such should be incorporated in decisions and efforts that are designed to manage and sustain groundwater for agricultural uses.

Goals of the project include increased engagement in groundwater sustainability efforts in the Kaweah Subbasin among residents of Matheny Tract, Soults Tract and Tooleville, and increased incorporation of the needs of severely disadvantaged communities in groundwater management plans and projects.

Our objectives will include increased outreach and technical assistance to residents of Tooleville, Matheny Tract, and Soults Tract regarding groundwater planning; increased understanding among decision-makers of the unique groundwater needs and vulnerabilities in the disadvantaged communities in the GSA; and an increased number of projects that reduce vulnerability of SDACs to contaminated groundwater and drinking water; groundwater management plans and efforts that incorporate needs and opportunities in SDACs; increased communication and collaboration among SDAC residents and GSA staff to ensure incorporation of SDAC priorities into planning and implementation efforts, and established protocols and mechanisms to ensure ongoing collaboration; and mechanisms to facilitate greater involvement and engagement among SDAC residents in planning and decision making related to groundwater management, including creation of a disadvantaged communities advisory

committee that can bring information and recommendations to the Mid-Kaweah GSA and Greater Kaweah GSA boards.

Our primary tasks will include reviewing existing and emerging groundwater management plans; reviewing any existing memoranda of understanding among sub-basin GSAs; participating in GSA meetings and activities; conducting community outreach and education to ensure that SDAC residents are aware of ongoing groundwater sustainability activities and opportunities to engage in decision-making and planning processes; supporting any rural communities committees that may be created; developing community educational materials in English and Spanish; assessing short and long term groundwater needs and vulnerabilities of SDACs; providing feedback and comments on drafts of report GSAs submit to DWR regarding progress made toward groundwater sustainability; providing input to and feedback on chapters and drafts of GSPs that cover and could potentially impact groundwater resources in Matheny Tract, Soults Tract, and Tooleville; working with the GSA and community leaders to ensure that identified needs and vulnerabilities are addressed in groundwater sustainability plans and projects; and working with the GSA and resident leaders to develop and implement tools and processes to facilitate community engagement in implementation of the alternative plan and other sustainable groundwater activities. Additionally, we will also work with the GSA, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify, support and implement drinking water and wastewater service projects that reduce vulnerability to drinking water contamination and groundwater contamination.

We will rely on the following tools and resources to provide technical assistance and advocacy support to communities:

• GSA's sustainable groundwater planning documents and supporting data along with data related to drinking water sources and wastewater access.

• Independent well and soil testing. While much of the data is readily available we plan on conducting well and soil testing to assess drinking water and groundwater vulnerability.

• Getting Involved in Groundwater toolkit published by Union of Concerned Scientists. This resource contains resources to help residents understand the technical, political and legal aspects of groundwater management planning. More information can be found here: http://www.ucsusa.org/getting-involved-groundwater#.WgSlcYhrw2z

• Groundwater Technical Assistance Tool by Union of Concerned Scientists. This tool connects residents and communities to specialists and scientists who can help answer questions about groundwater management. More information can be found here: http://www.ucsusa.org/groundwater-technical-assistance-tool#.WgSmN4hrw2w

• Groundwater Management Simulation tool. This tool is being developed by Environmental Defense Fund alongside Leadership Counsel, Self-Help Enterprises and other organizations. It will provide an interactive presentation and exercise for residents and advocates to better understand the dynamics of groundwater management.

• Independent legal analysis to better understand the obligations of GSAs related to forming GSPs

• Online resources and databases published by the State Water Board and the Department of Water Resources regarding SGMA and GSAs.

• Community expertise regarding their needs and the conditions in the region.

PHYSICAL BENEFIT

Our project may include drinking water consolidation projects and I or wastewater consolidation projects through a contract with the State Water Resources Control Board. We estimate that we will plan at least two wastewater consolidation projects or drinking water consolidation projects that will improve reliability of drinking water resources and protect groundwater quality.

PROJECT SUPPORT

Community representatives from Tooleville, Matheny Tract and Soults Tract have provided letters of support for this project. We will continue to communicate with East Kaweah and Mid Kaweah GSAs to discuss ongoing coordination and collaboration.

Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability Mail - Fwd: RE: Meeting Request 11/13/17, 2:27 PM

Fwd: RE: Meeting Request

Pedro Hernandez <phernandez@leadershipcounsel.org> To: Kaylon Hammond <khammond@leadershipcounsel.org>

Mon, Nov 13, 2017 at 2:22 PM

-------- Forwarded message --------From: "Michael Hagman" <mhagman@lindmoreid.com> Date: Nov 13, 2017 2:13 PM Subject: RE: Meeting Request To: "Pedro Hernandez" <phernandez@leadershipcounsel.org> Cc: "Grant Miskin" <gmiskin@lindmoreid .com>

Pedro,

I am booked up pretty good this week. However, we have an EKGSA Advisory Committee meeting coming up next Monday (11/20@ 3 PM in Lindsay). You can come to visit me at our office before or after that meeting and we can get to know each other and you can lay out your ongoing work. It would be nice if you could possibly attend some or all of our AC meeting that day if you are available. Also, we are working with CWC and Self-Help (both of those parties have members on our AC and one on our Board). I would like to see how your work will enhance their efforts.

I will send you a copy of the agenda tomorrow and have Grant put you on our interested parties list.

I Thanks for your interest.

Michael D. Hagman

General Manager

Lindmore Irrigation District

mhagman@lindmoreid.com

work: 559-562-2534

cell: 559-303-4150

https://mall.google .com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=c00a09e689&jsver=M-xhR ... 767b33&search=inbox&type=15f6fa080e1775a7&siml=15fb779baa767b33 Page 1 of 2

Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountabilit y Mail - Fwd: RE: Meet ing Request

From: Pedro Hernandez [mailto:phernandez@leadershipcounsel.org] Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 10:08 AM To: Michael Hagman <mhagman@lindmoreid.com> Subject: Meeting Request

11/1 3/17, 2:27 PM

Good morning, Im am writing to you because my organization Leadership Counsel is applying for Category 1 TA funding for SGMA because we work directly with severely disadvantaged communities within the East Kaweah GSA.

I would like to see if we can schedule a meeting to discuss our ongoing work to include severely disadvantaged communities in the East Kaweah Subbasin GSP development.

I am available by phone (559) 816 - 5303 and of course by email at your convenience.

Thanks,

-Pedro

Pedro Hernandez

Policy Advocate

Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability

764 P Street, Suite 012 l

Fresno, CA 93721

phernandez@leadershipcounsel.org

Cell : (559) 816-5303

www.leadershi12counsel.org

image001.jpg 9K

https://ma il.google.com/mai l/u/O/?ufa2&ik=c00a09e689&jsver=M-xhR ... 767b33&search• inbox&type=15f6fa080e1775a7&siml=15fb779baa767b33 Page 2 of 2

California Natural Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Water Management

A Quien le Corresponda,

Nosotros, el Comite de Matheny Tract, quisieramos expresar nuestro apoyo a la aplicacion de Consejo de Liderazgo para la financiacion de categorfa 1 en el marco del Programa de Subvencion Estatal de Planificacion del Agua Subterranea financiado por la Propuesta 1 y administrado por el Departamento de California de Recursos de Agua (DWR).

Como se expresa en la Ley de Gestion Sostenible de Aguas Subterraneas, es de vital importancia para los pozos domesticos, sistemas pequefios de agua y comunidades desfavorecidas que se incluiran en las decisiones que rodea la gestion de las aguas subterraneas locales y la planificacion. Comunidades desfavorecidas en particular, tienen mas que ganar y mas que perder de proyectos y planes que afectaran a la cantidad, la calidad y el costo de su acceso a los recursos de aguas subterraneas.

Estamos especialmente preocupados por nuestros vecinos del condado, como algunos de la comunidad Jane Addams, que dependen de los pozos domesticos para el agua potable. Todos nos enfrentamos a retos simi lares en nuestras comunidades en que todos no hemos tenido suficientes recursos e inversiones por las mesas que hacen las decisiones quienes no nos han incluido en sus procesos por demasiado tiempo. Sin embargo, nuestros vecinos se enfrentan a un reto adicional en que se enfrentan a la duda de no tener acceso a agua de su fuente.

Hemos trabajado con el Consejo de Liderazgo por la Justicia y Responsabilidad durante muchos a nos en una serie de asuntos de justicia ambiental. Consejo de Liderazgo esta en una posicion (mica para proporcionar apoyo tecnico para nosotros acerca del proceso de planificacion del agua subterranea, y para que nos ayuden en la defensa de nuestras necesidades como los Mid-Kaweah GSA forman a su Plan de Sostenibilidad de las Aguas Subterraneas (GSP).

Esperamos que financiaran el trabajo de Consejo de Liderazgo junto a nosotros en este importante proceso.

Gracias,

Erl/< ldua1Jo Vl!bre(

Robed-a #e112Crl) k_s

TO:

California Natural Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Water Management

To Whom It May Concern,

Residents of Soults Tract would like to express our support for Leadership Counsel's application for Category 1 funding under the State Groundwater Planning (SGWP) Grant Program funded by Proposition 1 and administered by the California Department of Water Resources {OWR).

As expressed in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, is of vital importance for domestic well users, small water systems and disadvantaged communities to be included in decisions made surrounding local groundwater management and planning. Disadvantaged communities in particular have the most to gain and the most to lose from projects and planning that will affect the quantity, quality and cost of their access to groundwater resources.

We have worked with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability for many years on a number of environmental justice issues. Leadership Counsel is uniquely positioned to provide technical support to us concerning the groundwater planning process, and to assist us in advocating for our needs as the Mid kaweah GSA shapes Its Groundwater Sustainablllty Plan.

We look hope that you will fund Leadership Counsel's work alongside us in this important process.

Thank you,

Ce// ]II./ ~J 0 '5 7 '"f

California Natural Resources Agency

Department of Water Resources

Division of Integrated Regional Water Management

A Quien le Corresponda,

Nosotros, los residentes de Tooleville, quisieramos expresar nuestro apoyo a la aplicaci6n de Consejo de Liderazgo para la financiaci6n de categorfa 1 en el marco del Programa de Subvenci6n Estatal de Planificaci6n del Agua Subterranea financiado por la Propuesta 1 y administrado por el Departamento de California de Recursos de Agua (DWR).

Como se expresa en la Ley de Gesti6n Sostenible de Aguas Subterraneas, es de vital importancia para los pozos domesticos, sistemas pequenos de agua y comunidades desfavorecidas que se incluiran en las decisiones que rodea la gesti6n de las aguas subterraneas locales y la planificaci6n. Comunidades desfavorecidas en particular, tienen mas que ganar y mas que perder de proyectos y planes que afectaran a la cantidad, la calidad y el costo de su acceso a los recursos de aguas subterraneas.

Estamos especialmente preocupados por nuestros vecinos def condado, como algunos de la comunidad Jane Addams, que dependen de los pozos domesticos para el agua potable. Todos nos enfrentamos a retos similares en nuestras comunidades en que todos no hemos tenido suficientes recursos e inversiones por las mesas que hacen las decisiones quienes no nos han incluido en sus procesos por demasiado tiempo. Sin embargo, nuestros vecinos se enfrentan a un reto adicional en que se enfrentan a la duda de no tener acceso a agua de su fuente.

Hemos trabajado con el Consejo de Liderazgo por la Justicia y Responsabilidad durante muchos afios en una serie de asuntos de justicia ambiental. Consejo de Liderazgo esta en una posici6n unica para proporcionar apoyo tecnico para nosotros acerca def proceso de planificaci6n def agua subterranea, y para que nos ayuden en la defensa de nuestras necesidades como los East Kaweah GSA forman a su Plan de Sostenibilidad de las Aguas Subterraneas (GSP).

Esperamos que financiaran el trabajo de Consejo de Liderazgo junto a nosotros en este importante proceso.

Gracias,

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