Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
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.
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.
The Board approved a $12,327 capacity fee per equivalent dwelling unit for new water connections in Zone 6, ensuring new development pays for water supply expansion costs. A water transfer agreement was authorized through 2038, providing access to 250-1,000 acre-feet annually at competitive rates. Operations began filling San Justo Reservoir with 5,000 acre-feet, expected to reach target levels by March 1st.
