Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff presented a proposed FY2027 budget of ~$1.282B; rates are lower than last year's projection due to the paused Pacheco Reservoir expansion. Anderson Dam seismic retrofit may be awarded in summer 2026, with capital spending rising. WIFIA timing is uncertain; interim notes were outlined as a bridge. A separate $106M WIFIA loan for Safe Clean Water projects has also been postponed indefinitely. CIP hearing continues to May 12, 2026 for closure; budget adoption is planned for May 12, 2026.
Four GSAs are in early feasibility discussions with SWP/CVP contractors (Southern California agencies being a key example) on a groundwater banking concept to bring new wet-year supplies into the region, with a negotiated leave-behind volume benefiting local growers and SGMA compliance. No decisions were made; multiple stakeholder input opportunities ahead. Return water to partners would primarily use west-side surface water; groundwater recovery is a backstop.
The board held a discussion exploring a per-well fee as an alternative to the previously failed weighted-ballot assessment, but made no decision on a fee structure or legal pathway. Staff was directed to bring back an updated Prop 4 grant-writer RFP by the May meeting; DWR strongly encouraged applying. The demand management ad hoc reported that their consultant has developed a draft decision matrix with stress-level triggers, but key thresholds and water accounting methods stay unresolved.
Groundwater production charges are proposed to increase 6.6%–9.4% by zone for FY 2026-27; in response to a board question, staff said 10-year projections could roughly double. Key pressures include major capital projects (e.g., Anderson Dam, Pure Water Silicon Valley, regional projects) and inflation. SWP south-of-Delta allocation stays 30%. Final vote May 12.
The board discussed two penalty options for over-pumping violations to be voted on at the next meeting, and reviewed a draft five-year budget supporting a Prop 218 process to raise groundwater extraction fees to a ceiling of ~$50/acre-foot. Staff reported that all 2026 allocation confirmations were received by the April 15 deadline, with unclaimed acres redistributed to participating landowners.
