Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
DWR approved CCWA’s assignment agreement, clearing the way for CCWA to become a direct State Water Project contractor. The Board approved an employment agreement for Peter Thompson, who will start as Associate Director in February 2026 at $310,000, then become Executive Director in May at $325,000. The Board postponed action on a 15.8% legal rate increase to gather more cost and oversight detail.
The board awarded a $1.64 million contract for Supplemental Well No. 3 after six bids, with completion expected around April 2027 so it can serve peak season 2027. At the ACWA conference, speakers warned that 500,000 to 1 million Central Valley acres may be fallowed under SGMA and other pressures. PV Water’s Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program is seeking more grower participation in its survey.
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.
