Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff reported that the Small Farm Assistance Program for fallowing land through 2039 has seen fewer than 10 applicants despite an estimated 300 eligible growers. The board discussed the county SWP survey and directed staff to respond, listing about 2,500 acre-feet as a non-binding expression of interest. Staff also reported a net decrease in irrigated acreage, already reflected in current assessments.
Four priority MLRP projects previously approved by the Westlands Board are moving into contracting. Staff reported that DOC Prop 4 Round 3 guidelines may come out in one to two months and encouraged continued concept form and application intake. Community feedback from the August 4 meeting generally aligned with the five draft regional goals; specific suggestions will be incorporated into plan strategies and co-benefit sections rather than altering goal language.
DWR presented its Vision for the San Joaquin Valley, warning the region is on an unsustainable path due to overdraft, subsidence, and climate change. Speakers described SGMA allocations and unpaid assessments being sent to county tax rolls (e.g., Turlock East, Tri-County Water Authority, Greater Kaweah, Eastern Tule). SWP reimbursable costs rose 63% since 2014; FIRO paired with recharge shows promise but faces permitting and infrastructure hurdles.
Staff reported draft responses to DWR comments on the GSP five-year update are circulating among GSAs ahead of an October 1 deadline; an adverse finding could risk basin probation. Staff also reported the GWA approved a $167,000 budget increase for consultant response work and that the GWA dry-well mitigation program was adopted and has received its first application.
A groundwater banking study with Metropolitan Water District is underway to assess potential banking areas Valley-wide, with a draft assessment expected by April. The Unified Water Plan is nearing public release and DWR indicated the San Joaquin Valley is the test-of-concept region for the next California Water Plan. Members warned critical-head thresholds could restrict pumping near the Friant-Kern Canal, potentially affecting up to ~60,000 acres.
