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FINAL REPORT Evaluation of Seawater Desalination Projects ...

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EVALUATION OF SEAWATER DESALINATION PROJECTS<br />

PROPOSED FOR THE MONTEREY PENINSULA<br />

this value is valid for the gross energy cost, there is no adjustment to reflect high-efficiency<br />

design. This adjustment would reduce the annual RO power cost by $2M. While little<br />

itemization <strong>of</strong> O&M costs is provided, the balance <strong>of</strong> values appears reasonable for the<br />

project as described.<br />

Financing – Identification & Adequacy<br />

In view <strong>of</strong> the absence <strong>of</strong> a specific project currently being proposed, a financing plan for the<br />

SCDP by the MPWMD has not been developed. However, two prior water supply projects<br />

proposed by MPWMD provide examples <strong>of</strong> likely financing avenues to be taken if the Sand<br />

City Project is formalized.<br />

In 1993, the District sponsored a 3 mgd Near-Term <strong>Desalination</strong> Project to provide a water<br />

supply to Zone No. 5. Estimated costs totaled $32 million (1994 dollars). The District<br />

proposed to implement the project by a private company contract to design, build, and<br />

operate the facility. The District envisioned financing through issuance <strong>of</strong> certificates <strong>of</strong><br />

participation to finance the capital costs, or relying on the contractor to provide financing<br />

with repayment based on a unit water cost (contract standby amount or actual water<br />

produced). Final selection <strong>of</strong> a financing alternative was to be made following a successful<br />

voter election. Connection fees and user fees were part <strong>of</strong> either financing alternative at the<br />

time; project-related costs were based on financing at 8 percent for a 20-year term.<br />

Ultimately, voter approval was not successful.<br />

The second major project proposed in 1995 involved a Los Padres Dam and Reservoir<br />

Project on the Carmel River for an estimated cost <strong>of</strong> $101.5 million. The District envisioned<br />

retaining a consultant to perform design and construction management, public building for<br />

construction, and project implementation through a prioritization contract with CAW.<br />

Project financing was proposed to be implemented through issuance <strong>of</strong> revenue bonds under<br />

the Revenue Bond Law <strong>of</strong> 1941. The sources <strong>of</strong> repayment were from user fees, connection<br />

charges, and other non-identified revenue sources. Funding was dependent on voter<br />

approval. The District also indicated that it intended to continue considering other funding<br />

alternatives including certificates <strong>of</strong> participation and a public-private partnership with debt<br />

and equity participation (CAW or other entity). The financial consultant evaluated rate<br />

impacts for a 20-year term for both the historical average interest rate (7.40 percent) and the<br />

then current rate <strong>of</strong> interest at 6.05 percent. As with the 1992 proposed project, voters did<br />

not approve this subsequent project.<br />

The District is not required to obtain voter approval for all proposed water supply projects,<br />

according to MPWMD’s General Counsel. For example, the issuance <strong>of</strong> certificates <strong>of</strong><br />

participation in 1992 for $33.9 million to finance the cost <strong>of</strong> recycled water project facilities<br />

was done without the need for voter approval. Water supply projects undertaken for the<br />

common benefit <strong>of</strong> the District as a whole may not require voter approval, depending on the<br />

type <strong>of</strong> debt to be issued and source(s) <strong>of</strong> repayment.<br />

Monterey Peninsula Water Management District 5-16

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