Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The board discussed funding shortfalls and possible new fees to support well mitigation, noting only a $9.80 Tier 1 fee is currently in place. Empire West Irrigation District rejected a proposed amendment to add board representation for areas comprising about 70% of the GSA, prompting concerns about long‑term governance. The State Water Board has declined to meet with the GSA due to ongoing litigation concerns
Board discussed projected future costs tied to IWPC/ERPA, including an annual operating budget near $200,000 and a possible $250,000 general manager position for 2026–2030. A grant-funded backup well (about 350 gpm) is nearing completion under a Small Community Drought Relief Program extension to February 27. Candidate Whitney Sekora introduced herself for the board vacancy, and members informally discussed Potter Valley Project issues.
Water Year 2026 sustainable yield allocations were announced at 0.97 AF/acre under the ET method and 0.27 AF/acre under the extraction method, the first time the ET-based allocation has dropped below 1.0 AF/acre. Grower accounts are transitioning from Eastern Tule GSA to PID GSA's Basin Safe platform, expected to be fully operational by mid-January 2026. November land subsidence zone recommendations remain in draft and were not adopted by PID GSA.
DWR approved CCWA’s assignment agreement, clearing the way for CCWA to become a direct State Water Project contractor. The Board approved an employment agreement for Peter Thompson, who will start as Associate Director in February 2026 at $310,000, then become Executive Director in May at $325,000. The Board postponed action on a 15.8% legal rate increase to gather more cost and oversight detail.
The board awarded a $1.64 million contract for Supplemental Well No. 3 after six bids, with completion expected around April 2027 so it can serve peak season 2027. At the ACWA conference, speakers warned that 500,000 to 1 million Central Valley acres may be fallowed under SGMA and other pressures. PV Water’s Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is seeking more grower participation in its survey.
