Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Groundwater fees were held flat for FY 2027 at current rates, and the FY 2027 budget includes funding for a $150,000 fee study that could inform changes as early as FY 2028. A regional water bank update raised ag questions about in-lieu recharge terminology and precedent-setting concerns. The board approved an MOU amendment redistributing costs among remaining sub-basin members after Sloughhouse RCD exited as a GSA.
Board unanimously adopted the 2026 Cost of Service Rate Study and Resolution 2026-08, setting notice/hearing procedures for proposed delivered water and augmentation charge updates that could take effect Dec. 1, 2026 if later adopted. Delivered water would rise $501→$639/AF over five years (~5%/yr for delivered water; other categories vary). Rural residential bills may initially drop due to a 0.5→0.4 AF estimate.
All available MLRP funding is committed to four pilot projects—two recharge pilots, a cooling/resilience center, and a recharge pond. DOC packets were submitted in April 2026 for pilot projects, with the Cooling/Resilience Center packet still being finalized before submission. DOC approval is hoped within 1–2 months. Three alternate projects are being prepared in case more funding becomes available.
The Commission approved a $268.9M supplemental funding determination for Sites, raising the conditional ceiling to $1.36B for inflation and a new emergency drought response benefit (no funds disbursed). Sites said draft water-right conditions could reduce performance ~12–15% (project-specific) or ~30–50% if broader Bay-Delta plan conditions apply; a final order could come in September. Draft public benefit contracts were presented; comments due July 6, 2026.
Staff reported Sites next steps in the WSIP update: federal permitting/ROD, draft water rights and draft public benefit contracts possibly in April, and final award likely late 2026. DWR presented the SB 72 framework for the 2028 Water Plan (9M AF target by 2040; advisory committee aimed for March). Kern Fan requested a conjunctive-use reclassification and ~$5.5M early funding; staff recommended approval.
