Agenda Item #14.2
For Council Meeting of: December 16, 2025
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER BURKE, DIRECTOR, SANTA ROSA WATER
SUBJECT: RATIFICATION OF US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY MIDSIZE AND LARGE DRINKING WATER SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION AGENDA ACTION: MOTION
RECOMMENDATION
The Santa Rosa Water Department recommends that the Council, by motion, ratify the submission of the grant application, dated October 5, 2025. This item has no impact on current fiscal year budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The US Environmental Protection Agency Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Program assists medium and large size public water systems with protecting drinking water sources from natural hazards, extreme weather events, and cybersecurity threats. Santa Rosa Water submitted an application for the recent competitive funding opportunity that became available in August 2025 (Funding Opportunity: EPA-OW-OGWDW-25-01). Consistent with Council Policy 000-62 Grant Application and Administration, Council approval is required for grant applications exceeding $500,000 or requiring cost match. Due to the short duration of the application window, staff submitted the application by the October 6, 2025 deadline and are requesting the City Council ratify approval of the submission of the grant application for the program. Should the grant be awarded, staff will return to Council for approval of the appropriation of funds before final acceptance of the award.
GOAL
This item relates to Council Goal #2 - Invest in the Development and Maintenance of the City's Infrastructure.
BACKGROUND/PRIOR COUNCIL REVIEW
Not applicable.
ANALYSIS
The City submitted a grant application in the amount of $2,000,000, with a cost match of $2,500,000, to rehabilitate and modernize the Farmers Lane Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The Farmers Lane WTP is a critical groundwater facility in need of capital improvements to replace aging infrastructure. Located at 2260 Sonoma Avenue, the WTP is central to the City’s drinking water supply system but is increasingly vulnerable to both wildfire and cybersecurity threats. Santa Rosa has completed 90% design on this project and is ready to proceed with construction within the timeline of the grant requirements.
Per Council Policy 000-62, Council approval is required for this grant application and staff are requesting ratification of the decision to submit the grant application. Should the Council not approve, staff will rescind the grant application.
FISCAL IMPACT
The submission of the grant application does not commit the City to any future project(s) or future costs, therefore, there is no direct fiscal impact because of the recommended action. Should the grant be awarded, staff will return to Council for approval of the appropriation of Water Department Enterprise funds before final acceptance of the award, consistent with Council Policy 000-062. There will be no impact to the General Fund if this grant is awarded.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, the proposed action is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it does not have a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. In the alternative, the proposed action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the project may have a significant effect on the environment.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Not applicable.
NOTIFICATION
Not applicable.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Famers Lane WTP Grant Application Summary Narrative
PRESENTER(S)
Peter Martin, Deputy Director Water Resources, Santa Rosa Water
RATIFICATION OF US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY MIDSIZE AND LARGE DRINKING WATER SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION PAGE 3 OF 3