Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff and consultants from Davids Engineering and ERA Economics reviewed a net groundwater impact accounting concept and examples of draft informational statements being used in neighboring basins. Members compared recent monitoring data to GSP thresholds and discussed revisiting sustainable management criteria during the periodic evaluation. Potential funding concepts, including grants and groundwater-use-based charges, were discussed.
Staff reported Cross Valley Canal liner repairs were underway and the liner was poured the morning of the meeting; staff hoped water could return by mid-next week, about a month earlier than previously anticipated. Kern Fan banking recovery totaled about 44,246 acre-feet in 2026; hydrographs show year-over-year middle-aquifer declines at all six sites. KINDLA advanced SGMA allocation framework work and sought well volunteers for water-quality data.
The board approved the intended award of Phase 2A construction management services to Arcadis (NTE $9.26M) for the ~2.7-mile parallel canal project, with final award delegated to the CEO; bids are due Sept. 18 and OBBB funds cover Phase 2A costs. Friant Class 1 remains at 100%; staff are tracking a potentially record El Niño for winter impacts. A Bowman algae study starts Sept. 9 on copper treatment effectiveness.
A proposed 20-year water agreement with East Bay MUD drew public concerns about pricing and drought-time access for local agriculture. The board heard comment and prepared to recess to closed session for discussion. A new auditing firm was approved for a three-year engagement.
The board approved Resolution 2026-05 adopting a delinquency policy and miscellaneous fee schedule with a 10% penalty, 1% monthly interest, and recovery of collection costs for late groundwater fees, with remedies that may include payment plans and tax-roll placement. Staff reported about $1.7 million in delinquent invoices added to county tax rolls. The board also adopted rules revisions including 3-year pump efficiency testing and clarified fallowing and recharge documentation expectations.
