New water hookups in Redwood Valley remain at least 10 years away due to infrastructure bottlenecks and state moratorium requirements. The SAFER program is pushing consolidation of local water districts, with staff expressing concern that roughly $75M in potential funding could be at risk if consolidation expectations aren't met; a key August meeting was discussed.
Board appointed Director Dolan as alternate IWPC rep, and tabled IWPC withdrawal. New well is pumping 300–350 GPM; PG&E power work is in progress; additional buildout could cost hundreds of thousands more. Flood Control annexation aims for zero tax exchange; LAFCO workshop possibly in 3–4 months.
Major leak near Coyote Valley Casino is losing over 100,000 gallons monthly and may require costly deep repairs. Lake Mendocino is steady around 87,000 acre-feet; staff are confident supply is adequate despite no rain forecast. Grant well closeout continues after a missed $332,850 invoice; project still needs PG&E power, DDW steps, test pumping, and site work. Board approved a 50/50 lawsuit cost-share MOU amendment.
The Board approved a cost sharing amendment with Russian River Flood Control to defend a CEQA suit over the annexation CEQA documents, with estimated defense costs of up to $50,000. Staff explained that the planned annexation will not, by itself, lift existing domestic and agricultural moratoriums. The district received a $307,000 DWR grant reimbursement and aims to finish the project by late February, while seeking a short extension.
The district anticipates substantial unforeseen costs from a July 2027 county road paving project that will likely require adjustments to some water infrastructure, with a five‑year moratorium on non‑emergency road cuts afterward. The new drought relief well construction is substantially complete with pumping to waste planned by end of January. Walker expects the district to remain an independent legal entity for now, noting about $7 million in federal debt as a key factor.
