Supervisors Approve Key Water Agreement, Recognize Coast Guard and Disability Pride

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors convened a meeting on July 22, 2025, addressing a range of issues, including proclamations and a crucial water diversion agreement. The approximately 25-minute meeting, which included both in-person and Zoom attendees, saw unanimous approvals on several key items.

The board officially proclaimed July 2025 as Disability Pride Month and August 2025 as US Coast Guard Month in Humboldt County. Coast Guard representatives expressed gratitude for the recognition. Public commenter Kent Swatzski also praised the Coast Guard's work and new funding.

The most substantial portion of the meeting centered on a water diversion agreement linked to PG&E's decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project and a new Eel-Russian River diversion facility. This complex agreement, approved unanimously, spans an initial 30-year term with a possible 20-year renewal contingent upon several factors. These include the Eel River Restoration Fund receiving $25 million and the Eel River Recovery Program (ERPA) demonstrating continued need for Eel River diversion. After 50 years, the agreement may be renewed or operations will cease, and diversion facilities removed.

The agreement includes financial stipulations. The Round Valley Indian Tribes will receive a $1 million annual use charge and a $750,000 restoration payment, with potential increases based on public funding thresholds. Payments will be adjusted yearly using the consumer price index, with a minimum 15% increase at year 31.

The Eel River Restoration Fund, to be managed by a non-profit corporation, will support various restoration and conservation projects within the Eel River watershed. Funding will be used for match funding to leverage state, federal, and philanthropic funding for large-scale restoration and conservation projects in the Eel River watershed; monitoring and assessment; maintenance and adaptive management of restoration projects; and tribal capacity building for restoration work. The agreement also outlines a detailed diversion schedule, prioritizing ecological needs and including adaptive management provisions to ensure the health of the Eel River ecosystem. It also includes provisions for dispute resolution and enforceability.

Swatzski, in a second public comment, voiced support for the agreement, also noting the changes in the Blue Lake council with four new members. He expressed concern about the situation in Blue Lake, urging the county to engage more with its constituents.

In other business, the board approved the consent calendar and authorized the Humboldt County Counsels office to defend the county in two superior court cases: *Christopher Mitchell v. County of Humboldt* and *Wayne Tomasini v. Humboldt County Assessment Appeals Board*. A closed session was scheduled to discuss these cases. The board also announced a short recess during the meeting.

The presentation accompanying the water agreement included maps and charts illustrating the Eel and Russian River watersheds, the Potter Valley Projects location, and modeled effects of future Eel River diversions. Details of the agreements key elements were also presented.

For more information on the meeting agendas and action summaries, visit [https://humboldt.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx](https://humboldt.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx).

Information on upcoming meetings and citizen participation can be found on the Humboldt County website.