On August 22, the Santa Rosa City Council approved a resolution appropriating $2 million from the City's unassigned General Fund to the Bennett Valley Golf Course Operations Fund to support the environmental review, design, and construction of a new water supply and storage system at the golf course. This will be the first step towards the long-term goal of completely replacing the irrigation system. 

The current irrigation system at the 150-acre, 18-hole City-owned golf course is more than 50 years old and in need of critical and major repairs, and requires ongoing and costly maintenance. The new storage ponds will be built to supply enough water to irrigate the golf course for up to 10 hours each night from spring through fall. The new irrigation system will provide for efficient irrigation of the course by using targeted, electronic controls that provide the right amount of water to each type of surface. 

In addition to the funds appropriation, the Council authorized the option for the City to use a Design-Build Request for Proposals method to design and construct the project where appropriate. The proposed contract for the project will be brought before City Council at a later date for review and approval. 

The City will work closely with the golf course operator, Touchstone LLC, as the project progresses to keep golfers and residents updated on the schedule and potential impacts to the course. It is anticipated that the golf course will remain open during construction, which may take up to two years to complete.

For more information, visit the City's Legistar Website to review the staff report, presentation, and the video recording of the August 22 City Council agenda item.