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<br /> 98 <br /> Atlachment 2 Page 5 <br /> ~._.__.~.. --... <br /> MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING <br /> in support of the <br /> Bay Area Water Forum <br /> This Memorandum of Understanding is based on the following acknowledgements about the <br /> value of participating as a sponsoring partner of the Bay Area Water Forum: <br /> 1. The water resources of the San Francisco Bay estuary region, including the Delta, represent a <br /> precious resource with extensive ecological and economic value, supporting a highly populated, <br /> growing region which extends into the Delta and beyond; <br /> II. Regional water resources planning is critical to identifying and achieving water supply, water <br /> quality, stonnwater management, flood control, public health, environmental, habitat, land use <br /> and related goals for the Bay region; <br /> ID. Effective regional partnerships are critical to improving and sustaining Bay Area water <br /> resources and associated ecosystems; <br /> IV. The Bay Area Water Forum (BA WF) provides a venue for all stakeholders in the Bay region <br /> including water, wastewater and stormwater agencies, local governments, environmental and <br /> business groups. and other community and civic organizations, to identify, discuss and work <br /> cooperatively on key water resources issues in the Bay region; <br /> V. The BA WF does not have policy making or decision making authority; nonetheless, it <br /> provides an essential opportunity to build an appreciation of regional water resources issues <br /> across differing agencies, interest groups and sub-regions within the Bay area, building on the <br /> needs of individual jurisdictions, public agencies and interest groups; <br /> VI. With the added emphasis on regional cooperation as the basis for state funding of water <br /> resources and infrastructure projects. the BA WF provides a place where new approaches and <br /> solutions to regional water resource challenges can be generated in light of existing and potential <br /> future funding sources; <br /> Vll. Since the BA WF is designed to be a resource and advocate for Bay region cooperation, it <br /> serves as a vehicle to gain greater leverage for new policy and funding initiatives without <br /> usurping the responsibilities and authorities of any participating agency or organization; <br /> VID. As the relationships of those involved in the Forum strengthens, the BA WF can be used as <br /> a venue for identifying and discussing the more complex regional issues that must be addressed <br /> as the region continues to grow and change; <br /> IX. The BA WF can serve as an important, multi-stakeholder forwn for discussing issues related <br /> to developing, updating and implementing the Bay Area Integrated Regional Water Management <br /> Plan (IRWMP) and which would benefit from regional cooperation and consistency; <br /> - <br />