To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: November 4, 2025
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
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707-937-3500 |
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Item Type: Consent Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: N/A |
Agenda Title:
title
Adoption of Resolution Reaffirming Support for the Co-Equal Goals of the Two-Basin Solution and the Water Diversion Agreement for the New Eel-Russian Facility
(Sponsor: Supervisor Williams)
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution reaffirming its support for the co-equal goals of the Two-Basin Solution and the Water Diversion Agreement for the New Eel-Russian Facility; and authorize the Chair to sign same.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
August 21, 2018: Adoption of Resolution Regarding the Future of the Potter Valley Project (Supervisors Brown and McCowen)
February 25, 2020: Authorization of $25,000 to the Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) to continue the feasibility study for potential licensing of PVP (Supervisors Brown and McCowen)
November 3, 2020: Approval of Second Amended Planning Agreement for PVP (Supervisors Brown and McCowen)
January 26, 2021: Allocation of $50,000 to IWPC to continue work toward potential PVP licensing (Supervisors McGourty and Mulheren)
September 10, 2024: Approval of IWPC Joint Prosecution and Common Interest Agreement regarding PG&E’s surrender and transfer of PVP (Supervisor McGourty and County Counsel)
May 29, 2025: Special Joint Meeting (IWPC All-Boards) informational briefing on issues related to PG&E’s Potter Valley Project (PVP) and regional water supply
October 21, 2025: Board rejected a prior resolution focused on dam retention and directed staff to return with this alternative emphasizing support for IWPC and the Two-Basin Solution.
Summary of Request:
The Potter Valley Project (PVP), licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and operated for more than a century by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), has diverted water from the Eel River into the Russian River Watershed through Scott Dam, Lake Pillsbury, and Cape Horn Dam.
These diversions have supported communities, agriculture, and ecosystems throughout inland Mendocino County and downstream Russian River areas
10-21-25 Supervisor Williams Re…
PG&E has filed a License Surrender Application with FERC to decommission and remove Scott and Cape Horn Dams.
In response, the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (IWPC) - composed of Mendocino County, the City of Ukiah, Mendocino County Russian River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District, Potter Valley Irrigation District, and Redwood Valley County Water District - joined with regional and tribal partners to form the Eel-Russian Project Authority (ERPA).
On July 16, 2025, IWPC and ERPA executed the Water Diversion Agreement for the New Eel-Russian Facility (NERF). That agreement establishes the framework for a new diversion structure to be constructed and operated following removal of Cape Horn Dam, consistent with restoration of native anadromous fish populations in the Eel River and with continued diversion of Eel River water to the Russian River Basin for water-supply reliability and water-quality benefits.
The agreement and associated governance embody the Two-Basin Solution’s co-equal goals:
1. Improving fish migration, habitat, and water quality within the Eel River to achieve naturally reproducing, self-sustaining, harvestable anadromous fish populations; and
2. Maintaining material and continued water diversions from the Eel River to the Russian River to support regional water-supply reliability, fisheries, and water quality.
The resolution before the Board reaffirms Mendocino County’s support for the IWPC, the ERPA, and the continued implementation of these co-equal goals as the most responsible and sustainable path forward to secure the County’s water future while supporting Eel River restoration. It also acknowledges the County’s existing financial commitment to IWPC ($85,000 per year) and recognizes the cooperative framework among tribal, county, and regional partners embodied in the Water Diversion Agreement
Alternative Action/Motion:
Provide alternate direction to staff.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: A Safe and Healthy County
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: <https://mendoiwpc.com/>
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: N/A |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): N/A |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: Yes
CEO Liaison: Executive Office
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Adopted |
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Date: November 4, 2025 |
Executed Item Type: Resolution |
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Number: 25-184 |
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