The project application deadline has been extended to January 30, 2026, with scoring in February and final approval packets submitted in March. A major clarification confirms that not every project needs to directly benefit disadvantaged communities—projects only need to meet one or two of three program priorities. The district is pursuing an extension of the December 31, 2026 implementation deadline due to lengthy permitting processes.
DOC feedback requested clearer region-specific goals and multi-benefit strategy descriptions; projects can proceed while the plan is finalized, tentatively by spring 2026. The project application priority deadline was extended to January 30, 2026 due to limited submissions. DOC indicated not all individual projects must benefit disadvantaged communities, and Westlands is still considering how to apply this.
Board approved the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, authorizing up to 136,000 acres of solar development on retired farmlands with a 10-year phased implementation. Bureau of Reclamation's Action 5 Record of Decision is expected to deliver an average of 85,000 additional acre-feet of water supply annually. District projects ending the water year with a 10,000 acre-feet surplus at the current 55% allocation.
The Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program held its first combined Steering and Outreach Advisory meeting, establishing a new structure. Three groundwater recharge pilot projects from Westlands are advancing through the review process and are expected to be scored by the December 17th meeting. Project submissions are now open with a Dec 1st priority consideration date, and projects must reduce reliance on groundwater and provide benefits to disadvantaged communities for at least 10 years.
District is experiencing strong supply for 2025-26, with CVP allocation rising to 55% and Northern California reservoirs performing above forecasts due to 88% above-average early-season precipitation. Water rates were reduced by approximately $12.95 per acre-foot, reflecting both the improved allocation and mid-year budget cuts. The invasive golden mussel has been detected in the distribution system, prompting the district to develop management strategies and provide guidance to growers.
