CHICO — California may no longer be in a drought, but local governments still face requirements to make changes based on Senate Bill 552.
The Butte County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on a resolution that would ultimately update the county’s drought plan which was initially implemented in 2004.
Water and Resource Conservation Director Kami Loeser presented the item before the board and requested authorization for her department to take part in “direct technical services” to make the updates happen.
“The state’s department of water resources offers a county drought resilience planning assistance program that would provide direct technical assistance to support the county’s drought planning efforts,” Loeser said in her presentation. “And the drought direct technical assistance program is administered through (The California Department of Water Resources) and implemented by a consulting firm that they have retained.”
SB552 was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021 and shifted some of the requirements for conserving and utilizing water.
“SB552 specifically requires all counties to improve drought and water shortage preparedness for state small water systems and domestic wells within a county’s jurisdiction by establishing a standing drought water shortage task force or drought task force and developing a county drought resilience plan or DRP,” Loeser said.
Additionally, the board approved two contracts that will add to the Palermo Clean Water Consolidation Project.
The first, at the cost of just north of $2.52 million, will go to the Butte and South Feather Water and Power Agency for the procurement of water conveyance infrastructure to assist areas facing dry or drying wells.
A second contract for $475,000 was approved to bring on a consultant for construction management services.
Both contracts have a term through Sept. 30, 2025.
Other business
Aside from preparing for an updated drought plan, the board voted on the following:
• A sublease agreement at the cost of just short of $5.26 million was approved for the Behavioral Health Sobering Center with Horizon Services, Inc. at 560 Cohasset Road.
• A contract with Escheman Construction Company was approved for the Oro Quincy Highway Road Repair Project to the tune of $4.26 million.
• Seven properties had liens imposed on them after being declared public nuisances.
• A presentation was given on the Mobile Hygiene Center and Homeless Shelter Case Management Program along with a public hearing for the program’s grant close out. Though the grant term has ended, the program will continue on.
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