Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Staff reported plans to expand Domestic Well Mitigation Program to cover full replacement costs within the existing $35K cap, with no formal action taken. A new tiered demand management and subsidence mitigation program for the Chowchilla Subbasin was presented as informational, with more public input expected before adoption.
The board approved a resolution authorizing the 2026 out-of-district water sale program at $218.54 per acre foot, with staff projecting roughly 12,000 to 15,000 acre feet in sales including fringe areas. Canals have begun charging in early March, and staff reported a 620,000 acre foot Bulletin 120 forecast at 90 percent probability. The board also unanimously adopted the 2025 Water Management Plan after a public hearing with no comments.
Colorado River negotiations are uncertain, with directors warning California could face major supply reductions after 2026. The board received reports on about $6 billion in State Water Project infrastructure needs, with SB 872 pursued for legislative relief, and heard that a key Sites Reservoir water right remains delayed. No major actions were taken beyond unanimous consent calendar approval.
The Board approved a $7.5M FLOW infrastructure grant program for local public agencies with a 50-50 cost share and water/ag nexus; applications likely roll out in April 2026. Staff reported inflow projections down nearly 3M acre-feet since November and Lake Mead near 1,056 ft. The Forbearance Agreement amendment was approved.
The board approved the 2026 irrigation season at 48 inches per acre, running March 12 through October 28, with water orders opening March 11. Under the existing multi-year rate schedule, the Tier 1 volumetric rate is now $3.23/acre-foot for the first 48 inches (year two), and replenishment water above that is available at $20/acre-foot. Out-of-district replenishment water within the groundwater subbasin was also approved at $50/acre-foot.
