Board voted 3-2 against solar at Wells 17/33/34, citing operational risk, conservation-driven runtime uncertainty, tight ITC timelines, and staff capacity. SGMA reports showed strong conditions: Indio added 137,000 AF in WY 2024-25; Mission Creek added ~4,900 AF with long-term storage averages near zero (balanced).
Colorado River negotiations are uncertain, with directors warning California could face major supply reductions after 2026. The board received reports on about $6 billion in State Water Project infrastructure needs, with SB 872 pursued for legislative relief, and heard that a key Sites Reservoir water right remains delayed. No major actions were taken beyond unanimous consent calendar approval.
The Board rejected a damage claim exceeding $35,000 from a trip-and-fall incident and forwarded it to liability insurance. The Colorado River Aqueduct shutdown continues for essential maintenance into early 2026. During Director comments, board members discussed ongoing Colorado River allocation negotiations and cited concerns about declining river flows and missed deadlines.
The Bureau of Reclamation approved the Sites Reservoir project, completing a critical environmental review milestone for California's water storage needs. State Water Project allocation increased to 30 percent, above the 20 percent staff expected, providing significant additional water supply. A catastrophic polyethylene service line failure at the airport exposed mapping issues, prompting investigation into detection methods for remaining unidentified lines.
The board approved granting the General Manager authority to approve non-material Sites Reservoir project share assignments between participants without requiring board approval for each transfer, streamlining processes as the project approaches its 2026 investor commitment deadline. Sites Reservoir construction advances with a contract awarded and completion now expected by 2033. Delta Conveyance financing faces uncertainty after courts rejected the 2020 bond validation attempt.
