MOTION
In May 2021, Governor Newsom proposed a $5.1 billion package for immediate drought response and long-term
water resiliency to address immediate, emergency needs, build regional capacity to endure drought and safeguard
water supplies for the economy and the environment. The Governor’s Water Infrastructure and Drought Response
package is part of a comprehensive recovery plan with the objective of dealing with the State’s most persistent
water-oriented challenges.

Among a variety of elements, the package seeks to provide $1.3 billion for drinking water and wastewater
infrastructure. It also seeks to provide $150 million for groundwater cleanup and water recycling projects; and $300
million to improve water supply, water quality and water reliability as part of the Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act. The Governor’s package also includes funding support for nature-based solutions. For example,
the package seeks to provide $200 million for habitat restoration to support tidal wetland, floodplain, and multi benefit flood-risk reduction projects.

The City has been working on similar efforts to improve drought response and local water resiliency through the
implementation of regional storm water capture projects in the North Valley. The San Fernando aquifer is one of
California’s most important water resources and its recharge is critical to meeting LA’s goal of reaching water
independence by 2035. Due to its geology, the northeast San Fernando Valley is the most ideal location to infiltrate
water into the aquifer which will decrease the city's reliance on imported resources.

The projects consist of the David M. Gonzales Recreation Center Stormwater Capture Project, the Valley Plaza Park
Stormwater Capture Project and the North Hollywood Park Stormwater Capture Project. These projects, led by the
Department of Water and Power (DWP), in collaboration with the Department of Recreation and Parks and the
Bureau of Sanitation, seek to improve water quality and water supply through pre-treatment and infiltration of
stormwater while also providing community enhancements, flood mitigation and nature-based solutions.

These projects are currently seeking funding from die Los Angeles County Flood Control District’s Measure W -
Safe Clean Water Program; however, additional matching funds from the State would augment the competitiveness
of these projects and help ensure their implementation. Given this, the DWP and its partner agencies should report to
the Council on the feasibility of pursuing funding for these projects under the Governor’s proposed Water
Infrastructure and Drought Response package, or any other viable funding source. In this manner, the City may
effectively meet its drought response and local water resiliency objectives.

I THEREFORE MOVE that the Department of Water and Power, in conjunction with the Department of
Recreation and Parks and the Bureau of Sanitation, modify their proposals for the David M. Gonzales Recreation
Center Stormwater Capture Project, the Valley Plaza Park Stormwater Capture Project and the North Hollywood
Park Stormwater Capture Project, and any other viable water-resiliency project to the extent necessary to leverage
funding from the Governor’s proposed Water Infrastructure and Drought Response package as well as resources
from the Metropolitan Water District and an expected Federal infrastructure package.

I FURTHER MOVE that the Department of Water and Power, with assistance from the City Administrative
Officer, report to the Council on the feasibility of pursuing funding from the Governor’s proposed Water
infrastructure and Drought Response package, a Federal Infrastructure Package and the Metropolitan Water District;
and the steps necessary, including legislative steps, to effectuate this effort.