Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Board of Trustees Meeting February 12, 2008

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Agenda Topic: New Business

Discussion and/or approval to fund a $20,000.00 research proposal from Dr. Basitaan M. Drees, The Texas A&M University System/The Agricultural Program, to evaluate the RIFA program in the Coachella Valley from Fund #8510.01.600 – Research Projects.

Background:

The Research Department (Department 600) supports cooperative work with the University of California system and other scientific organizations for conducting research for mosquito-borne disease and vectors, biological control methods for vectors, and monitoring and evaluating the fire ant population (RIFA) and their control.

The RIFA program indicated a high percentage of success in the process of intensive treatments and spot evaluation of treatment efficacy done by the staff. However, there is an essential need to evaluate the program overall to plan the future control strategy and pesticide use. Dr Drees’ proposal is structured to help evaluate the treatment program and overall success of efforts to mitigate the red imported fire ant problem in the Coachella Valley.

Staff Recommendation:

The staff recommends supporting the research proposals.

Fiscal Impact:

Current funds available from Fund # 8510.01.600 – Research is $14,900. A $5,100.00 line item adjustment from Fund # 9000.01.225 Contingency Expense to Fund # 8510.01.600 – Research will give a new balance for Fund # 8510.01.600 – Research of $20,000.00. The total cost not to exceed $20,000.00 is 100% of the new balance.