Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program plan finalization has been delayed until December as the district awaits final comments from the Department of Conservation. Growers interested in submitting land repurposing project applications should prioritize submissions by December 1st to receive priority consideration for current funding, with all projects requiring implementation by December 2026. The district will begin targeted outreach to landowners in identified priority areas using...
The Unified Water Plan released its flood management chapter for public comment, identifying nearly 3 million acre-feet of potential water supply from groundwater sustainability projects that could address the Valley's supply gap. Comprehensive watershed studies for five San Joaquin River tributaries will be released in November, showing advanced flood management could provide over 100,000 acre-feet annually while reducing flood risks. A major stakeholder meeting is scheduled for October 29th
The board discussed adopting satellite-based water monitoring technology to better track agricultural water use, with an estimated annual cost of $30,000-$35,000. The proposed 2026 budget shows a 9.4% increase to $427,000, primarily driven by expanded technical consulting needs and regulatory requirements. Staff is also considering establishing an internal groundwater monitoring network to supplement existing county monitoring efforts, as groundwater levels aren't rebounding as expected...
The board addressed a 10,000-acre-foot water storage accounting discrepancy that requires urgent resolution with the county water agency. They reviewed an attractive bond financing proposal from Fifth Third Bank that could save over $600,000 in underwriting costs by holding district bonds directly in their portfolio. Their Groundwater Sustainability Plan is nearing completion, with only minor monitoring requirements remaining before state transfer.
The board approved releasing a groundwater allocation policy for 45-day public comment, establishing 1.43 acre-feet per acre for sustainable yield plus declining transitional water through 2040. Farmers exceeding allocations face $500 per acre-foot penalties and reduced future allocations. The sustainable yield calculation is based on a 36% share of the subbasin's total 350,000 acre-feet capacity.
