DWR set an initial 10% State Water Project allocation, better than recent 5% starts, driven by stronger reservoir storage and with studies showing possible increases later. The Delta Conveyance Project’s preliminary cost estimate has dropped about $1.25 billion (6%) as design work evolves, and key permits and litigation are progressing. Staff also flagged concerns raised in public comment about the Sites Reservoir bid process and will meet with Sites Authority leadership.
The committee recommended $2.07 million in consulting and in‑house work to investigate a 230 kV transmission system built in the 1930s‑1950s and possible fiber‑optic integration. It also recommended awarding a $35.7 million construction contract, within a $42 million total budget, to replace aging utilities at two desert pumping plants, and backed a mitigation agreement with Intersect Power to address solar project impacts identified in a $300 million upgrade estimate to be refined.
The committee received updates on a stormwater pilot program with LA County that would increase turf replacement rebates to 75-100% in selected areas, though key details on budget and partnership terms remain pending and staff expect to return with an action item in early 2026. Webb Tract's rice farming component faces delays after lease negotiations fell through, likely pushing rice planting from 2026 to 2027. Colorado River basin states missed their November deadline for agreement on new...
A water district representative highlighted the critical water affordability crisis, comparing potential service disruptions to Detroit's 2014 crisis where 90% of customers faced interruptions, emphasizing that affordable water should cost around $34 monthly without forcing families to sacrifice basic needs. The agency continues operating under a four-week federal government shutdown that's impacting essential services and funding. Additionally, staff reported productive progress on the ...
The $7.5 billion Sites Reservoir project will require a $1.8 billion contribution for 300,000 acre-feet of storage capacity, expected to deliver 50,000 acre-feet annually. Colorado River negotiations focus on permanent reductions of 1.5 million acre-feet annually to address structural deficits, with California's share being 440,000 acre-feet. A dispute between Upper and Lower Basin states over compact obligations could significantly impact future water reliability and legal water flows.
