To: The Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors
From: Warren Lai, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer
Report Title: Interagency Agreement with Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, Countywide.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Chief Engineer, Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (Flood Control District) or designee, to execute an interagency agreement with Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (Agency), in an amount not to exceed $625,000, for the period of July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, to coordinate and implement Countywide watershed stewardship activities, including organizing and supporting watershed groups, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and managing volunteer creek-stewardship programs. Under this interagency agreement, the Agency will provide administrative, planning, technical, and outreach services to strengthen watershed health; coordinate hands-on stewardship and educational events; support mitigation monitoring and field activities on Flood Control District facilities; assist with restoration project development and grant-related work; maintain volunteer and compliance records; prepare required reports; and plan major watershed-related public events and forums, including coordination with the Walnut Creek Watershed Council, the Contra Costa Watershed Forum, and the Marsh Creek Watershed Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Agreement will be paid for with 100% Flood Control District Funds. Project No: Various
BACKGROUND:
The Flood Control District and the Agency share a common interest in advancing a sustainable model for watershed stewardship throughout Contra Costa County. The Flood Control District’s 50-year watershed plan identifies a long-term vision for implementing flood protection in ways that enhance natural watershed functions and promote environmental sustainability. The Agency is well-positioned to support this vision through its expertise in watershed coordination, community engagement, and stewardship program management.
Over recent years, the Flood Control District and the Agency have collaborated on efforts to support the Walnut Creek Watershed and other County watersheds through cleanup and beautification projects, public education, and community outreach. The Agency has also worked closely with key groups, including the Contra Costa Watershed Forum, the Walnut Creek Watershed Council, the Marsh Creek Watershed Council, and Friends of Marsh Creek, to strengthen watershed awareness and stewardship capacity across the County.
Through this partnership, the Flood Control District and the Agency aim to improve coordination among municipalities, agencies, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, volunteers, and other stakeholders to promote healthier watershed systems and expand public understanding of watershed issues. The Agency’s role in organizing volunteers, facilitating stakeholder dialogue, and coordinating stewardship activities will support the Flood Control District’s goal of cultivating a sustainable watershed stewardship framework that enhances flood protection while conserving soil, water, and natural resources, Countywide.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Without the approval of the Board, the Flood Control District will be unable to coordinate with the Agency to continue the development of a sustainable stewardship model for the County’s watersheds.