(YWA release) – Yuba Water Agency, the University of California, Davis, the City of Wheatland and Beale Air Force Base signed a memorandum of understanding today outlining plans for future projects and a collaborative, applied research facility in Yuba County.
The partnership aims to address regional challenges such as flooding, wildfire, emergency response, agricultural technology, and water and energy management by leveraging each organization’s expertise. Initial projects already underway include training artificial intelligence to analyze large datasets for rapid decision-making during emergencies, like a pandemic or natural disasters.

“This is an exciting opportunity to bring forth new ideas and extend the impact to our community through a collaboration amongst organizations with shared goals and complimentary expertise,” said Cristina Davis, associate vice chancellor for research at UC Davis. “In particular, I think the potential advancements related to energy and environmental resilience could have tremendous impact addressing the critical challenges faced by our region and help to bolster the local economy.”

Plans for a future applied research center:

Beale Air Force Base, the largest employer in Yuba County, serves as a growing hub for research and development in national defense and space systems integration. UC Davis, ranked #6 overall among U.S. public universities, conducts research confronting today’s most pressing challenges. Yuba Water Agency is recognized for its leadership in sustainable natural resource management and flood risk reduction, while the City of Wheatland is focused on expanding employment and development opportunities as one of Beale’s closest neighbors.

“It’s rewarding to see this partnership come to life knowing all the good things it means for our agency and our communities,” said Jon Messick, Yuba Water’s board chairman. “The research center will give us access to world-class researchers and technologies to tackle challenges like reducing flood risk while also supporting regional economic development and creating high-quality jobs and internships.”

Sacramento-based AKT Investments has pledged land in Wheatland for the future research center. Yuba Water and the City of Wheatland have formed the Yuba Applied Research Center nonprofit to accept the donation and secure funding for future projects. The center will operate virtually until a facility is built. The proposed location is approximately five miles from Beale Air Force Base. The benefits of its close proximity creates enhanced security, access to a skilled workforce, improved logistics, technology partnerships and a stronger local economy.

“Beale Air Force Base is committed to our local community through the development of a collaborative research facility in Wheatland to support Homeland Security and National Defense, said Col. Keagan McLeese, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. “We look forward to working together to drive innovation, create new opportunities and build a strong foundation for a sustainable future.”

This new agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed last year by Yuba Water, the City of Wheatland, and the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute. Yuba Water has committed up to $360,000 over two years to support research efforts, including the use of advanced sensing technologies at various levee sites to enhance monitoring during high water events. These efforts will transition to the Yuba Applied Research Center once it becomes operational.

ABOUT THE MOU SIGNATORIES

Based in Yuba County, Beale Air Force Base is home for the U-2 Dragon Lady and T-38 Talon. Beale’s mission is to deliver persistent, integrated reconnaissance and combat power for our nation. At any given moment, day or night, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, there is probably a 9th Reconnaissance Wing aircraft flying an operational mission somewhere in the world.

The University of California, Davis was founded in 1908 to serve the state of California. Today, the seed that was planted those years ago has grown into one of the world’s top universities. Ranked #1 in the nation for agriculture and veterinary medicine, and with over a billion dollars annually in research funding, researchers at UC Davis are unlocking insight and solutions that prepare our world for a better tomorrow.

Yuba Water Agency is a stand-alone public agency dedicated to serving the people of Yuba County through its missions of flood risk reduction, water supply reliability, Yuba River fish habitat protection and enhancement, hydroelectric power generation and recreation at New Bullards Bar Reservoir. In addition to serving Yuba County through its core missions, each year, Yuba Water invests significant revenue back into the community through its Community Impact Grant and Loan Program.

Incorporated in 1874, the City of Wheatland is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, maintaining a rich history while building a bright future. The city maintains many of the special qualities that still give it that “small-town feel,” while still keeping an eye on the future. In 2014, Wheatland annexed approximately 4,500 acres, creating tremendous opportunity for new employment and housing investments in the region. The city is also making significant infrastructure improvements such as water service upgrades, increased sewer capacity and improved traffic circulation.

Learn more about how Yuba Water Agency is powering a brighter future for Yuba County at yubawater.org.