The board approved a ~$37,000 Cawelo GSA cost share for 2026 GSP implementation (Agreement 2601) and approved Resolution 732 declaring necessity for the 2026 special assessment. SWP allocation remains 30% with uncertain outlook. Staff is preparing chelated copper treatment at Pump Station B and possibly Station 8 if Article 21/CDC water is taken.
DWR began reviewing the substantially changed 2025 GSP with a 75-day public comment period, indicating a more interactive process than previous reviews. The State Water Project allocation stands at 30% while the district approved a toll rate study as north toll rates reached their maximum due to rising power costs. Golden mussels were identified in Kern County, prompting immediate outreach to growers to monitor facilities and prevent spread into district canals.
The board approved the 2026 budget of $37.4 million through Resolution 730 while expressing frustration over the Kern SGMA authority's proposed $640,000 budget, questioning high attorney costs and lack of self-funding mechanisms. Major capital projects including the Friant-Kern Canal Pump Station and Reuse of Produced Water Project continue progressing toward completion despite recent weather delays.
The groundwater subbasin is reviewing a new cost-sharing structure that would increase costs for some members based on developed acreage rather than equal sharing. The board significantly reduced participation in the Delta Conveyance Project from 20% to 1% due to high projected costs of $875 per acre-foot. Meanwhile, the produced water reuse project continues progressing with pipeline construction approximately halfway complete.
The board approved a special assessment of $22.29 per acre with notices going out next week and payment due by mid-November. A three-year contract was approved for a Daily ET monitoring tool at 55 cents per acre to provide real-time evapotranspiration data to growers. Staff discovered a significant water accounting discrepancy of approximately 5,800 acre-feet that needs resolution with the agency board.
