All available MLRP funding is committed to four pilot projects—two recharge pilots, a cooling/resilience center, and a recharge pond. DOC packets were submitted in April 2026 for pilot projects, with the Cooling/Resilience Center packet still being finalized before submission. DOC approval is hoped within 1–2 months. Three alternate projects are being prepared in case more funding becomes available.
The district's CVP south-of-delta agricultural allocation remains at 25%, with staff planning to advocate aggressively for an increase during an upcoming Washington, D.C. trip. The board approved up to $825,000 for a copper-based golden mussel abatement pilot on Laterals 7R and 4 Left. The board discussed the drought pool arrangement, with some directors urging reevaluation and staff noting the current deal's benefits have not materialized.
Reclamation increased the CVP South-of-Delta ag allocation to 25% (up from 20%), while the SWP allocation was 45%. Supplemental water is estimated at 70,000–85,000 AF at $775–$800/AF, with the next allocation expected in July. Staff is refining a copper-based golden mussel treatment approach; an alternatives analysis is expected in June.
The board approved policies and procedures for solar interconnection to a planned 500kV transmission line, targeting an application window starting mid-June 2026 with intake and validation through the summer. The board also directed staff to prioritize larger solar projects in the interconnection queue to minimize transmission infrastructure on district land, with engineering cluster study results expected by January 2027.
Water allocation remains at 20% after a dry March and low snowpack; staff is pushing for a potential 5–9% increase but there is no guarantee. A supplemental water program covering ~203,000 acres is active at an estimated $775–$800/AF, with late applications still accepted. Groundwater data shows uplift from low pumping, though neighboring subsidence may be encroaching.
