A special benefit assessment election passed with 80.46% approval to fund a ~$56 million flood capture expansion projects. Following the results, Chairman Don Cameron announced he will resign at the end of the meeting due to 1090 conflict-of-interest concerns tied to his role as operator of connected infrastructure. Additionally, a Bureau of Reclamation meter grant closes September 30, 2026, with staff urging landowners with incomplete files to act immediately to secure rebates.
MAGSA has initiated a Proposition 218 election seeking landowner approval for a $32.85/acre assessment to fund a flood capture expansion project; ballots will be mailed by April 17 and a public hearing is set for June 3. No recharge credits will be issued until a formal allocation is established around 2030, though all activity is being tracked. The WaterSMART meter grant ends September 30, 2026, with a 90-day minimum processing time — landowners should submit outstanding materials.
The board previously granted a 30-day extension for neighboring districts to review the Aqua Terra water bank project, pending receipt of critical modeling files requested since November. The WaterSMART meter program has achieved strong progress with over 1,000 meters installed and reporting data. The board also received a cautionary update on Pixley Irrigation District's severe financial challenges, highlighting the importance of securing surface water supplies.
Several irrigation districts requested a 30‑day extension of the Aqua Terra Water Bank environmental review comment period, citing need for groundwater model access to assess potential impacts. The meter installation program has reached its halfway point, distributing $1.2 million in rebates for 700 wells with 300 more in progress. MAGSA received regional recognition for advocacy work, and member received an individual advocacy award.
The board received positive updates on major infrastructure projects and grant programs while addressing emerging statewide concerns about subsidence monitoring. The water bank environmental review is nearly complete and expansion project engineering remains on schedule and budget.
