Golden mussels continue spreading through Cross Valley Canal pools 1–8, prompting approval of a $500,000 budget amendment for a vulnerability assessment and treatment plan; pools are currently dewatered with zero inflows or deliveries ongoing. A feasibility study for Kern Fan Alternative No. 5 is progressing, with a draft report expected in early May and a follow-up workshop planned for mid-to-late May.
Board continued the CVC golden mussel emergency action (funded by CVC participants). ID4 discussed a 30% year and needing to recover 22,000+ AF from banking. ID4 adopted 2026–27 groundwater charges: $20/AF ag, $40/AF other, $40/yr small facilities.
Baffle walls at Pumping Plant 2B were removed after causing flow restrictions, with potential vortexing at higher flows still under evaluation. A public workshop is scheduled for March 18 to present alternatives for the CVC Pool 1 expansion project. A golden mussel task force has been established, with a CVC-specific subcommittee formed to evaluate copper-based and other treatment options.
The State Water Project allocation remains at 10% and staff expect an increase soon, though Northern Sierra snowpack is only 52% of average. Delta export limits and Old and Middle River constraints have curtailed exports despite better hydrology, frustrating staff seeking more recharge. A major funding gap in State Water Project recreation costs was highlighted as a post‑2035 risk if new funding is not secured.
Board appointed Tamara Johnson to fill the Division 4 vacancy, citing her 40+ years of municipal and industrial water management experience alongside strong agricultural candidates. Leadership reported on strengthening relationships with state water officials, including DWR Director Nemeth, who acknowledged receiving monthly allocation objections. A strategic planning process will launch in January with member unit outreach, targeting Board review by July.
