Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Board discussed projected future costs tied to IWPC/ERPA, including an annual operating budget near $200,000 and a possible $250,000 general manager position for 2026–2030. A grant-funded backup well (about 350 gpm) is nearing completion under a Small Community Drought Relief Program extension to February 27. Candidate Whitney Sekora introduced herself for the board vacancy, and members informally discussed Potter Valley Project issues.
Water Year 2026 sustainable yield allocations were announced at 0.97 AF/acre under the ET method and 0.27 AF/acre under the extraction method, the first time the ET-based allocation has dropped below 1.0 AF/acre. Grower accounts are transitioning from Eastern Tule GSA to PID GSA's Basin Safe platform, expected to be fully operational by mid-January 2026. November land subsidence zone recommendations remain in draft and were not adopted by PID GSA.
The Advisory Committee elected Curtis Weeks chair and a vice chair, approved the April 2025 minutes and its 2026 meeting schedule, and discussed its valley-wide advisory role. Staff outlined groundwater concerns and studies to inform the board’s planned fall 2026 project selection ahead of five-year evaluations due to the state in January 2027. Members requested more local data and questioned whether bimonthly meetings would suffice; a January special meeting is being planned.
DWR approved CCWA’s assignment agreement, clearing the way for CCWA to become a direct State Water Project contractor. The Board approved an employment agreement for Peter Thompson, who will start as Associate Director in February 2026 at $310,000, then become Executive Director in May at $325,000. The Board postponed action on a 15.8% legal rate increase to gather more cost and oversight detail.
The board awarded a $1.64 million contract for Supplemental Well No. 3 after six bids, with completion expected around April 2027 so it can serve peak season 2027. At the ACWA conference, speakers warned that 500,000 to 1 million Central Valley acres may be fallowed under SGMA and other pressures. PV Water’s Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is seeking more grower participation in its survey.
