The board declared a golden mussel emergency and authorized a district-wide STI-62 maintenance-dose treatment program subject to legal review, targeting an Oct. 1 start. A 25 million dollar 10-year fixed-rate note at about 4.4 percent through Webster Bank was approved to bridge TCP facility needs and later support linear generators. Staff reported about 27,000 acres fallowed has substantially reduced overdraft while the district challenges state subsidence modeling under SGMA.
The board approved a standardized landowner recharge agreement formalizing an 80/20 water credit split for landowner recharge facilities. Staff discussed substantial fall recharge interest, with firm requests discussed as roughly 35,000–41,500 acres and additional interest also mentioned, while improved State Water Project modeling signaled a stronger water supply outlook. A canal-wide golden mussel treatment proposal is being evaluated, with a board vote expected in September.
The board approved a just-over-$800K Schuster subsurface recharge pilot (about $8K/acre, far below conventional spreading). Monitoring found an arsenic exceedance at RMW 315 (Primex); 3-mile notifications will be sent and the exceedance was deemed natural. Staff questioned DWR's subsidence analysis inputs and will review data before changing thresholds.
The board approved a 2026 budget update based on a 45% SWP allocation, projecting a ~$50.4M budgeted loss offset by beginning cash and planned financing. It approved an Amarok electric guard fence pilot for 10 sites (~$115K/yr plus ~$70K repairs). The board reduced DCP interim funding participation from 20% to 7.5%, citing insufficient project details to justify higher commitment.
Irrigated acreage fell to 109,571 acres, reaching the plan's acreage-based sustainability target ahead of schedule, though demand must still be confirmed against supply. The district anticipates a 30% SWP allocation and limited banking activity, with no non-contract water available this year. Golden mussel detections are spreading; grower notice letters and treatment options are under review.
