Final post-2026 Colorado River final environmental impact statement is expected this week; staff said Metropolitan does not anticipate near-term delivery cuts. State-specific reductions will be determined through subsequent steps, agreements, and discussions with California partners later this year, with completion needed by fall. Separately, the executive performance review process is being refined, with monthly updates through year-end.
Presenter shared Delta smelt science supporting discontinuation of the fall X2 action, saving about 105,000 acre-feet in wet and above-normal years. Staff described three Northern Sierra forest health pilots and said a watershed update would come in August. The subcommittee moved into closed session on Colorado River negotiations and water rights protection.
The board approved a $16.5M Webb Tract wetland contract after a divided vote and debate over Delta island strategy; a caller said Adelto Conservancy is providing a $21M grant supporting the project. The board also approved Item 8-6 agreements to add conserved water to Lake Mead under existing ICS exhibits. A Delta market study is expected by Dec. 2026.
Board approved Colorado River legal contract increases totaling $1.5M in new spending: +$500K for Van Ness Feldman LLP (new NTE $1M) and +$1M for Milbank LLP (new NTE $1.25M), as Metropolitan's Colorado River lead heads to Senate testimony. Department heads received a 3.4% increase if rated competent or better, effective June 21, 2026. Invocation highlighted climate whiplash, reliability, and affordability.
The Executive Committee recommended a 3.4% cost-of-wages salary adjustment for department heads, contingent on a competent-or-better evaluation, replacing the traditional CPI-based approach with the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index and pending full Board approval in June. Chair Ortega noted the meeting was delayed due to critical Colorado River discussions, and the General Manager reported testifying before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee in Washington, D.C.
