ALBUQUERQUE BERNALILLO COUNTY
WATER UTILITY AUTHORITY
BILL NO. R-24-6
RESOLUTION
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Authorizing the Executive Director to Enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office of Natural Resources Trustee for Funds for the Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP) Outfall Restoration Project
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WHEREAS, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) is owner and operator of the Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP) Outfall Restoration Project, hereinafter referred to as the “Project,” located at and around the SWRP effluent outfall into the Rio Grande; and
WHEREAS, the Agreement, except as otherwise stated herein is exempt from the provisions of the procurement code in accordance with NMSA 1978, § 13-1-98(A); and
WHEREAS, ONRT and the Water Authority desire to enter into this Agreement to accomplish the Project in the most cost-effective and administratively efficient manner; and
WHEREAS, the Water Authority is constructing and operating the site in compliance with requirements associated with Project permitting, including Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District licensing, and Rio Grande State Park rules; and
WHEREAS, the Water Authority has enacted policies through its water resources management strategy, Water 2120, that state “The Water Authority should work with the City, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and others to protect and enhance the Rio Grande State Park and the Bosque.”; and
WHEREAS, the Water Authority has enacted policies through its water resources management strategy, Water 2120, that state “The Water Authority should continue to participate in the Endangered Species Collaborative Program and Recovery Implementation Efforts for multiple species in the MRG.” And the project will benefit multiple endangered species; and
WHEREAS, ONRT is authorized by NMSA 1978, § 75-7-5(B) to enter into this Agreement for the purpose of restoring, replacing, or acquiring natural resources in an area where natural resources have been injured, destroyed, or lost; and
WHEREAS, ONRT funding in the amount of $566,000 will be utilized for planting of native riparian species over 10.4 acres as part of the Project.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE WATER AUTHORITY:
The Executive Director is authorized to sign an agreement whereby ONRT settlement funds in the amount of $566,000 will be applied to the planting of native riparian vegetation at the Project. The Executive Director is also authorized to act on behalf of the Water Authority to sign the Memorandum of Agreement for ONRT settlement funds.