Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board approved contracts for independent groundwater model review and to begin a new Prop 218 funding/outreach process. Members warned a cash shortfall could trigger state intervention, citing the Tule example where state staff discussed ~$35/acre-foot pumping fees plus annual well charges. A Prop 26 extraction fee was discussed as a possible option.
Groundwater level targets were updated and approved, setting measurable objectives to historical averages from 2015–2025 and interim milestones equal to those objectives, reflecting a stable basin with no overdraft. An RFP is underway for ongoing SGMA support; interviews are anticipated mid-August and a contract could be considered at an anticipated special August meeting. Five new monitoring wells and five stream gauges are now online to support recharge projects and groundwater reporting.
A ~$100,000 Cortina Creek siphon repair using a spin-cast concrete lining method was approved. Operations are running 2,500 CFS; SCADA shows demand tracking nearly identical to last year. Board gave the GM discretion to select a roofing contractor and proceed, with roof replacement quotes around $163k–$165k plus gutters and roof-extension scope/pricing still being finalized.
Board approved awarding the $2.8M Big Dry Creek–Friant-Kern Canal turnout project to Nicholas General Engineering Contractors, funded largely by a $2.5M Fresno County ARPA grant (FID covers balance). Board also approved Vernon Drain structure replacement (~$330K). SGMA allocation work continues with initial agency figures nearing completion; well-registration enforcement policy expected Aug/Sept. Biola ribbon cutting celebration July 29.
The College Lake water treatment plant is still in testing due to polymer issues, with bench testing underway on alternatives. The board approved Tanner Pacific Amendment #3 up to $390,512—only through Dec. 31, 2026 unless later reauthorized. A rate-setting public hearing is set for Sept. 16, 2026, with outreach meetings planned for early September. The board also approved a $341,897 Montgomery & Associates SGMA support agreement.
