The Board approved a major milestone for the Friant-Kern Canal Pump-Back Project, formally adopting environmental documentation and authorizing implementation to restore water delivery capabilities affected by subsidence. Water operations achieved nearly double the previous year's volume through the Cross Valley Canal, totaling approximately 34,000 acre-feet with extensive quality monitoring. The ongoing federal government shutdown is significantly impacting water infrastructure projects...
The board unanimously approved a drought pool pilot program allowing contractors to contribute 12,500 to 25,000 acre feet annually to reduce water call risks during dry periods. Water supply conditions remain strong with 100% Class 1 allocations maintained and healthy reservoir storage levels, while 80,000 acre feet of restoration flows were successfully sold to contractors. The City of Lindsay was approved as a new general member, expanding local government participation in regional water...
The board approved significant budget revisions for the Friant-Kern Canal project, deferring pump station construction to avoid a $6 million payment while maintaining contingency funds for outstanding contractor claims. The fiscal year 2026 operations budget was unanimously approved following the mandatory review period. Water supply conditions remain strong with full Class 1 allocations maintained and reservoir storage performing above forecast levels.
The Central Valley Project's 55% water allocation is at serious risk, with San Luis Reservoir projected to reach dangerously low levels by August and only an 11,000 acre-foot buffer above dead pool remaining. Delta water quality issues are already forcing pumping reductions below forecasted levels, threatening the ability to deliver promised allocations to contractors. However, there's hope as the Secretary of Interior made an unprecedented visit to engage directly with California water stakeholders and received priority project recommendations.
