Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The committee discussed two options for recalculating groundwater minimum thresholds and agreed staff should analyze both before any changes, with agricultural members stressing data-driven justification. A possible domestic well mitigation program drew questions on scope, funding, and liability. Public comment highlighted transfer proposals totaling about 467,000 acre-feet per year. Staff will return in spring 2026 with MT calculations.
The Board voted to withdraw from the Salton Sea Authority and refocus efforts on the Salton Sea Conservancy for managing habitat restoration and air quality projects. Water conservation programs are performing strongly, though the 2026 fallowing program may be cut in half without additional federal funding, with staff estimating these efforts could add 2–3 feet to Lake Mead's elevation if fully funded.
The Kaweah Groundwater Subbasin was returned to DWR jurisdiction after its three GSAs resolved or substantially resolved key deficiencies in their sustainability plans, demonstrating effective collaboration and establishing a robust mitigation program to protect domestic well users and critical infrastructure. Significant implementation challenges remain, including addressing a structural groundwater deficit by 2040 and managing ongoing subsidence near the Friant-Kern Canal.
The board approved a reduced $944,952 budget through June 2026 focused on minimum SGMA compliance while acknowledging the need to develop long‑term funding. Staff reviewed the SGMA timeline, noting the basin is roughly 30% of the way through the implementation period and that state intervention could cost about $1.7M per year. Directors discussed, but did not decide on, possible board expansion and a stakeholder advisory body.
A special board meeting scheduled for December 9th will address the annual audit report and a water purchase program amendment with extended pricing terms. The agency is approaching a future go or no-go decision point on the Sites Reservoir project as it moves toward a construction phase, with staff preparing necessary administrative records. Organizational changes include bringing an IT/cybersecurity director role in-house and adjusting the salary chart for new and updated positions.
