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Regular Agenda Item 3. J.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	08/15/2022
Submitted For:	Steve Sanders	Submitted By:	Betty Hurst, Contracts Administrator
Department:	Public Works
Fiscal Year:	2022	Budgeted?:	Yes
Contract Dates Begin & End:	325 days from signature	Grant?:	No
Matching Requirement?:	No	Fund?:	New

Information

Request/Subject

Approval of Collection Agreement No. 072522 between Gila County and Arizona Game and Fish Department for Environmental Monitoring within the Tonto Creek Bridge Construction Zone.

Background Information

On December 28, 2021, the US Fish and Wildlife Service approved the updated Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Tonto Creek Bridge Project. Part of the EA was the Biological Opinion (BO). One requirement of the BO is:

A qualified/certified biologist shall monitor the construction footprint, at-grade crossings, action areas, and any areas affected by the proposed action to ascertain incidental take of individuals of the gartersnake and cuckoo (and flycatcher in the unlikely event of take of that species).

The Biological opinion goes on to discuss additional monitoring and reporting in detail.

Evaluation

While looking for qualified/certified biologists to employ for monitoring and reporting purposes we found that very few had the federal license needed to monitor the Northern Mexican Gartersnake. Those that we talked to who had the license were not interested in committing to the length of time needed for the project to be built.

AZ Game and Fish have qualified/certified staff and were receptive to an agreement to provide a monitor for the project.

Conclusion

Prior to the start of any construction, a qualified/certified biologist must be present on site.

Recommendation

The Public Works Department recommends entering into a Collection Agreement No. 072522 with the Arizona Game and Fish Department for environmental monitoring during the construction of the Tonto Creek Bridge Project.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve Collection Agreement No. 072522 with the Arizona Game and Fish Department for a not to exceed the amount of $230,105 to provide environmental monitoring for 325 days per Term of Agreement during the construction of the Tonto Creek Bridge. (Steve Sanders)

Attachments
Collection Agreement No. 072522