NID News Release

January 27, 2010

Contact: Ron Nelson (530)273-6185 Or Dave Carter (530)265-NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRASS VALLEY - A public water supply for more than 100 parcels in southern Nevada County moved closer to fruition at Wednesday’s (Jan. 27) meeting of the Nevada Irrigation District Board of Directors. The board approved environmental studies and a project to extend treated water supplies to an area north of the Lake of the Pines. The Ranchero waterline extension would take in up to 119 residential parcels in areas along Magnolia Road, East Hacienda Drive, Ranchero Way, Pioneer Way, Salt Creek Road and Surrey Drive. Area residents have been working with NID to plan the water project and will now take part in a public election to decide on the formation of a local improvement district to pay for the new system. NID project engineer Tonia Tabucchi Herrera said the $6 million project includes seven miles of pipeline and accessory items including fire hydrants, meters and valves. She said NID and area residents hope to hold the election this year and that with positive response the project could begin in 2011.

In other business, Directors:

• Approved a 2010 water conservation program that calls for adoption of best management practices (BMPs) for treated water as outlined by the California Urban Water Conservation Council. On the irrigation water side, the district will host four workshops on irrigation efficiency and will continue a soil moisture monitoring program for vineyards and orchards in the district.

• Authorized staff to formally notify 17 property owners that the district needs to acquire easements for water system improvements on the Cement Hill and Banner/Cascade

Pipeline projects near Nevada City and the Mt. Vernon siphon project in Placer County. NID Senior Right-of-Way Agent Matthew Crowe said the district has successfully negotiated most of the easements it needs and that remaining easements must be obtained to keep the public water projects on track.

• Heard a report from General Manager Ron Nelson, who will be participating in a two-day strategic planning workshop with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). Nelson said he hoped to build more statewide support for water issues faced by Northern California mountain counties.

• Heard a report from Division V Director Nick Wilcox who has been invited to serve as a panelist at a Feb. 9 forum on water sustainability. Wilcox will speak on water supply challenges. The event, which is open to the public and sponsored by the APPLE Center for Sustainable Living, will be held from 7-9 p.m. at City Hall in Nevada City.

The next regular meeting of the NID Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 10 at the NID Business Center in Grass Valley. NID board meetings are open to the

public.

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