Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Draft Forebay/Arroyo Seco Cone fees are expected to be similar to last year, possibly slightly lower. A speaker warned fee-setting may not follow the 2021 coordination agreement, risking liability for both GSAs. Weeks relayed analysis tying modest long-term declines to reduced recharge, not pumping, and noted thresholds might not be reached until about the 2070s. Staff will bring a proposed fee-engagement process next month.
Four priority projects will be submitted to DOC in April 2026: Pastajero, Los Gatos, Westside Cooling Center, and Section 21 Recharge. Overall, projects submitted by the priority deadline requested about $18.7M vs $7.7M available ($7.3M for implementation). Two alternates (Rock & JK Farms, Panoche Creek) will be submitted to DOC in summer 2026. Papa's Project scoring was deferred to a later side meeting.
Groundwater storage gains continued into Water Year 2024-25, though recovery remains uneven with some western boundary wells lagging behind. Subsidence has slowed but one area northwest of Arbuckle has accumulated 0.3 feet since January 2024, warranting ongoing attention. A groundwater demand management program is targeting January of next year, with legal and technical elements under development and discussion planned for the April 10 joint meeting.
Reclamation raised CVP M&I allocation to 70% (~7,500 AF more for Valley Water); staff reported healthy groundwater. Board reviewed liabilities: retiree health (OPEB) ~61% funded ($108.9M unfunded), projected paid off by FY42; CalPERS 72.5% funded (6/30/2024), with extra contributions projected to reach full funding by FY2037-38. Board approved 2026 advisory work plans incl. AI/data center water-use research.
Proposed SGMA fee (Tier 1 for all parcels; Tier 2 for ag acres and domestic users incl. private wells, up to $7.94/acre undistricted ag) goes to a May 18, 2026 public hearing. Winter recharge signed up 4,000+ acres and recharged ~3,600 AF in January. Staff noted WY2025 annual report figures show most indicators green.
