Background

The Redwood Valley Community was not originally included in the Russinan River Flood Control & Water Conservation Improvement District (RRFC) boundary, believing Redwood Valley would not need to utilize RRFC's water right to Russian River East Fork flows or stored water from Lake Mendocino.

Over time, conditions changed, and arrangements were made for Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) to purchase surplus water from RRFC. (See Stipulated Judgement linked below.) When the State Water Resources Control Board approved RRFC's water permit to a license, the RVCWD service area was included in the water right place of use. (See water right information linked below.) However, because RVCWD is not in the RRFC boundary, RVCWD can only purchase surplus water from RRFC, which can be in short supply especially in times of drought. In 2021 and 2022, all surplus sales were halted and the Redwood Valley agricultural community had no water deliveries. RVCWD customers were also on restricted water amounts for several years.

The two Districts wish to find a lasting solution for the Redwood Valley community and have explored options for years. Most recently, there has been strong support for RRFC to annex the RVCWD service area, allowing RVCWD to enter into the Uniform Water Supply & Purchase Agreement for a determined amount of water. (See Agreement template below.)

At the April 1, 2024 RRFC Board Meeting, a LAFCo Ad Hoc Committee was formed and Trustees Reardan and Watt were appointed.  Resolution #24-01 Commitment to Collaborate with Redwood Valley County Water District in Developing a Local Agency Formation Commission Annexation Application was approved. Redwood Valley County Water District (RVCWD) also approved a resolution of commitment and appointed Directors Todd and Klotter to an Ad Hoc Committee. (See RRFC resolution linked below.) RRFC approved a memorandum of Understanding (linked below) with RVCWD on August 5, 2024, and RVCWD Board will consider approval at an upcoming meeting.

The two Ad Hoc Committees collectively serve as a project advisor for the Redwood Valley annexation ("Advisory Committee"), reporting to their respective Boards and receiving feedback. The Advisory Committee agreed to engage LACO Associates to assist with the application development and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) process. A pre-application meeting was held with LAFCo, the Advisory Committee, LACO, and staff from both Districts. 

Development of the Annexation application is underway and will be filed to coincide with RRFC's updated Municipal Service Review and Sphere of Influence Update at LAFCo, which is scheduled to begin within the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Last updated: 8/7/24

Stay tuned for updates.

Links and attachments:

(MOU yet to be approved by RVCWD and fully signed.)

 Mendocino County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) Website

Redwood Valley County Water District Website