Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
An invasive golden mussel infestation was discovered in the Friant-Kern Canal, prompting coordination with state agencies on treatment options and a funding proposal coming to the Board in February. Water supply outlook for 2026 is strong with reservoirs well above average and agricultural allocation forecasts ranging from 35-65%. The Governor's proposed budget includes $30 million for river restoration and fish hatchery operations.
The Executive Committee meeting was canceled at 10:10 AM due to lack of quorum. A special meeting will be scheduled to address postponed agenda items, including updates to the Joint Powers Agreement and Bylaws, as well as a mid-term appointment for a SBC vacancy.
The Board directed staff to proceed with a 2026 four‑year short‑term note strategy to fund six critical infrastructure projects and to include refunding the 2016 bonds in the financing package. The structure maintains flexibility to coordinate with ongoing EPA WIFIA loan negotiations, which could later provide a long‑term takeout for the notes.
Preliminary data show the board met its 2025 demand reduction target with about 143,000 acre-feet of consumptive groundwater use, driven by fallowing, cover cropping, and surface water. A new credit split policy was approved, with growers receiving 40–100% of credits depending on funding sources. The board also approved up to about $2.5 million for a three‑year incentivized fallowing program, expected to cover roughly 2,768 acres
The district reported significant export gains from Action 5 under President Trump’s executive order, adding about 40,000 acre-feet of CVP exports during the late‑December/early‑January first flush period by operating to less restrictive OMR flows. A Community Benefits Agreement plan for the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan will involve extensive workshops. Groundwater monitoring shows marked recovery in core areas since 2022.
