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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Jim Nielsen 2-23-10 STATE CAPITOL COMMITTEES P.O.BOX 942849h VICE CHAIR,APPROPRIATIONS SACRAMENTO,CA 94249-0002 � VICE CHAIR,BUDGET (916)319-2002 �{� RULES FAX(9 16)319-2102 DISTRICT OFFICE 280 HEMSTED DRIVE,SUITE 110 sTare REDDING,CA 96002 in (530)223-6300 r em FAX(530)223-6737 '�•¢�° EMAILM'NIGELSEN assemblymember.nielsen@assembly.ca.gov ASSEMBLYMEMBER ,SECOND DISTRICT February 23, 2010 Mr. Phillip Tabas, Vice President/General Counsel The Nature Conservancy 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100 B�RR���gUAERVISORS Arlington, VA 22203 FES 2 2 o 10 Re: M&T Ranch/Llano Seco Wildfire Refuge OROVILLE,CALIFORNIA Dear Mr. Tabas, It is my understanding that several parties concerned with the water supply for agriculture and habitat supplied by the M&T/Llano Seco Pumping Plant have been in discussions with The Nature Conservancy for two years relative to the Sacramento River gravel bar encroaching on the pumping plant's fish screens and inlet pipe. As the California Assembly Member representing Butte County and the architect and author of Senate Bill 1086 which established the Sacramento River Conservation Area,I would like clarification as to The Nature Conservancy's opposition to-the long term solution which includes the installation of the two southerly spur dikes that would be built on property under easement with The Nature Conservancy. These two dikes along with several others built upstream on FWS property would provide long-term protection for both the water supply of the ranch and refuge but also the city of Chico's old and new sanitation plant outfall location. I have reviewed all correspondence between the parties and it appears counter-productive and contrary to the spirit of SB 1086 and good neighbor policy not to support this solution to provide reliable water supply for agriculture and habitat along the river. As outlined in the Shaw- Sacramento River Conservation Easement, the stated purpose is "to preserve and protect in perpetuity the mixed riparian forest habitat..." so clearly providing water to a habitat area would meet this definition and the goals of SB 1086. Limiting the meander to protect vital public and private infrastructure also clearly meets the stated goals of SB 1086 and the SRCAF. This is a prime example of those goals. Further, there is concern from my constituents relative to the additional cost being incurred by the taxpayers of the City of Chico. Due to The Nature Conservancy's unwillingness to cooperate, the City of Chico just completed moving their outfall at a cost of$5 million to the ratepayers. The city's outfall was being buried at their original location and they will still need protection from the gravel bar and a meandering river at the new location. The city's engineering firm gives the City's new location 15 plus years before they encounter a similar ,sv p x y Printed on Recycled Paper P problem at their new location. Not only is this a waste of time and money but it is needless foot- dragging of a solution that is in the best interest of all concerned parties. Despite these setbacks, I am convinced that this issue can be resolved in a timely manner. I would like to arrange a meeting in my office as soon as possible. Please designate your highest ranking representative with The Nature Conservancy to meet with me at thein'earliest opportunity. .Please contact my executive assistant,Heidi Jensen at(916) 319.2002. Thank you for your consideration and your attention to this matter. Sincerely, ?imNielsen Assemblyman, 2nd District cc: Senator Diane Feinstein Congressman Wally Herger Senator Sam Aanestad Former Assembly Member Doug LaMalfa Former Assembly Member Rick Keene Lester Snow, Secretary Natural Resources Agency Mark Cowin, Director, Department of Water Resources Ben Carter, President, Central Valley Flood Protection Board Butte County Board of Supervisors Chico Mayor Ann Schwab Ducks Unlimited Family Water Alliance Northern California Water Association Sacramento Valley Landowners Association Roger Milliken Jr., President, Baskahegan Company Mark R. Tercek, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy Les Heringer Barbara LeVake