Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/6/2026
Item Status: New
From: Frank Lundy, County Engineer
Submitted by: Ashley Campbell, Natural Resource Planner
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Letter of Support - Auburn University and Alabama Water Watch’s Earth Data-Enabled Monitoring and Forecast-to-Action Solutions for Community Water Stewardship Grant Application
End
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize the Chairman to execute a letter of support for the Auburn University and Alabama Water Watch’s Earth Data-Enabled Monitoring and Forecast-to-Action Solutions for Community Water Stewardship Grant Application
End
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The grant proposal will develop an Earth data-enabled monitoring and forecast-to-action solution that strengthens Alabama Water Watch’s existing community-based water monitoring network. The project will integrate volunteer water-quality observations with NASA Earth observations, sub-seasonal-to-seasonal forecasts, watershed modeling, and AI-assisted decision support to help communities and municipal partners better understand current water-quality conditions and anticipate emerging risks. Baldwin County, Alabama, will serve as the initial demonstration area, where the project team will work with AWW monitoring groups, municipal stormwater programs, and other partners to co-develop use cases, test forecast-guided monitoring approaches, and evaluate decision-support tools. The resulting framework is intended to improve the timing, targeting, and interpretation of water monitoring and management actions while creating a transferable model that can be adapted for wider use.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
No
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: The Grants Department reviewed the Letter of Support and did not have any comments.
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: October 6, 2026
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration Staff and Ashley Campbell
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin - Provide copy of the Commission’s letter of support to Ashley Campbell.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A