The Folsom City Council has unanimously approved an updated resolution tied to the city’s pursuit of federal funding for a water efficiency improvement project aimed at strengthening long-term water reliability and infrastructure performance.
The action amends an earlier council resolution approved in April and formally commits $150,000 from the city’s Water Impact Fund toward a proposed project being submitted under the United States Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program.
The updated resolution was required as part of the federal grant application process after discussions between city staff, federal lobbying representatives and Bureau of Reclamation officials identified additional language needed to meet application requirements.
The proposed project carries an estimated total cost of $250,000. Under the funding plan, the city will seek up to $100,000 in federal grant funding through the WaterSMART program, while the remaining balance would come from the city’s local match commitment.
According to city documents, the WaterSMART program is designed to help local agencies conserve water and improve water supply reliability through investments in existing infrastructure and water efficiency projects. The federal initiative supports projects identified through prior planning efforts and focuses on practical improvements such as water delivery automation, flow measurement systems, canal lining and other infrastructure upgrades intended to increase efficiency.
City staff noted the revised resolution specifically identifies the city’s required funding match and designates the Water Impact Fund as the source of those dollars — language that was omitted from the original Resolution No. 11594 approved April 28.
The city’s Utilities Department stated no additional staffing would be required for the proposed project and that sufficient funding already exists within the Water Impact Fund to cover both the city’s matching contribution and grant preparation expenses.
As part of the process, The Ferguson Group, which provides federal advocacy services for the city, will prepare the grant proposal, coordinate outreach with federal officials and assist with documentation review for up to $11,000 under its current agreement with Folsom.
If approved by federal officials, the grant award is expected to be announced in late 2026. The city’s $150,000 share would be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process.
City documents also state the project qualifies for categorical exemptions under the California Environmental Quality Act because the work involves improvements or replacement of existing infrastructure with little or no expansion of use.
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