Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
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.
The Board officially adopted the Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan dated June 13, 2022, fulfilling a remaining requirement tied to its GSA role. They committed $90,000 to help fund the JPA through June, leaving about $100,000 after payment, and requested budget milestones by January 7. The Board supported planning a joint education workshop with Shandon-San Juan, potentially in February.
DOC feedback requested clearer region-specific goals and multi-benefit strategy descriptions; projects can proceed while the plan is finalized, tentatively by spring 2026. The project application priority deadline was extended to January 30, 2026 due to limited submissions. DOC indicated not all individual projects must benefit disadvantaged communities, and Westlands is still considering how to apply this.
Board appointed Tamara Johnson to fill the Division 4 vacancy, citing her 40+ years of municipal and industrial water management experience alongside strong agricultural candidates. Leadership reported on strengthening relationships with state water officials, including DWR Director Nemeth, who acknowledged receiving monthly allocation objections. A strategic planning process will launch in January with member unit outreach, targeting Board review by July.
The Board approved a $35,000 contract for satellite-based ET monitoring that will support field-level water use estimates. One monitoring well site near Ripon’s CNG facility is moving forward, with two more locations under evaluation using $2.1 million in ARPA funds. The Groundwater Authority plans to directly manage groundwater level monitoring after raising data quality concerns with the county program.
