Golden mussels remain a long-term management issue; monthly veliger monitoring found a positive at milepost 134, and staff are planning dewatering-period treatment in November, with limited funding. Class 1 allocation remains at 100% and Millerton may run near minimum pool (~150 TAF). MRCCP Phase 2 ROW and the Porterville borrow-site LOI were on the agenda. An August groundbreaking is being planned.
Staff discussed a draft OBBB letter agreement ($195M to FWA with a $5M Reclamation holdback) supporting Friant-Kern Canal subsidence correction, including Phase 1 replacement pump stations and Phase 2A parallel canal work. Golden mussel settlement was confirmed; AAIS NPDES permit expected mid-September.
Board received a $200M federal OBBB allocation. Staff was directed to proceed with bid solicitation for five Phase 1 replacement pump stations as early as the following Monday, with award targeted for May and NTP around late June 2026. The 2024 cost recovery methodology was vacated and a 3-director committee will develop a replacement. Class 1 holds at 100% but could drop to ~90%.
An invasive golden mussel infestation was discovered in the Friant-Kern Canal, prompting coordination with state agencies on treatment options and a funding proposal coming to the Board in February. Water supply outlook for 2026 is strong with reservoirs well above average and agricultural allocation forecasts ranging from 35-65%. The Governor's proposed budget includes $30 million for river restoration and fish hatchery operations.
The Board approved a major milestone for the Friant-Kern Canal Pump-Back Project, formally adopting environmental documentation and authorizing implementation to restore water delivery capabilities affected by subsidence. Water operations achieved nearly double the previous year's volume through the Cross Valley Canal, totaling approximately 34,000 acre-feet with extensive quality monitoring. The ongoing federal government shutdown is significantly impacting water infrastructure projects...
