Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Groundwater sustainability fees were approved for FY 2026-27 at roughly 55% below maximum rates; the agricultural combined rate is $44.44 per groundwater-irrigated acre. Growers who missed alternative-water or dry-farming deadlines can apply again next year, but documentation will tighten. Board members discussed well metering as a possible long-term path toward usage-based fees.
Staff reported Greater Kaweah GSA is discussing ending overdraft allocations by 2027 and raised concerns about allowing native safe-yield transfers across the GSA. Staff discussed record El Niño indicators and urged growers to prepare fields for potential winter water. The board discussed a 3-year managed IT/cybersecurity services proposal with Grapevine MSP.
Staff reported the board is exploring replacing tiered overdraft allocations with purchased supplemental water from ditch companies. About $9M in penalties remain outstanding (about $900K liened), and staff discussed possibly shifting future bills to property tax rolls. The board discussed tier pricing and the penalty rate; staff said these may need action next month for an Oct. 1 effective date.
The board approved raising the per-acre groundwater assessment from $1.50 to $2.00 for 2027, citing anticipated consulting costs tied to the updated sustainability plan. Staff reported the State Board discussed a possible pumping moratorium along the Friant-Kern Canal as early as April of next year, framed as a starting offer tied to subsidence concerns. The board formally set aside existing allocation and new-well policies following litigation, with revised drafts expected in two weeks.
The board directed staff to pursue engineering evaluations and review prior studies for increasing Old River recharge. A Riverside Ditch landowner meeting was set for Nov. 6 to gather maintenance input and discuss responsibilities for debris/trees. Directors reviewed the draft 2027 budget and discussed possible changes including ~$50,000 for Riverside maintenance and higher stock purchase budgeting, noting future rate impacts may be unavoidable.
