Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The board discussed selecting a preferred project portfolio by August 2026, and staff said a follow-up response to DWR is targeted for September 15 under a requested extension. Only the Brackish Groundwater Restoration Project meets the seawater intrusion minimum threshold in modeling, with ~$1B in estimated capital costs. Affordability concerns dominated discussion. The board directed staff not to use Tier 1 reserves, with formal fee approval expected at the June 11 meeting.
Modeling found curtailment during critical dry periods sends less than 10% of saved water to Foster Park, with lag times that can exceed a year. The Board approved the FY 2026/2027 budget and set the extraction-fee adoption item for its next regular meeting in June; the proposed rate is $168/AF based on 4,396 AF. Proposition 4 small-GSA grants of approximately $100K–$200K may become available to offset SGMA implementation costs.
The board approved a rule change allowing permanent Riparian Area designations as inactive in the GAP so remote-sensing ET from those areas is not counted as consumptive use. FY 2026-2027 budgets were discussion only; staff will return in June with a proposed fee rate and action. Two Alternative Source Credit deadline appeals were approved.
Water ops looked strong: Oroville near capacity (~3.38 MAF) and Folsom nearly full (~958 TAF), with Jones potentially increasing from 4 to 5 units if available. Golden mussels are in a spawning boom; growers were asked to report sightings and also report if pipes are clear. April hydrology significantly improved conditions: precipitation at 180% of normal.
Water deliveries are nearing maximum capacity, with possible short-term wait lists as compressed demand follows mid-season rains. The board approved updates to the Operations & Maintenance Policy, clarifying point of delivery/use definitions and private lateral responsibilities. Staff reported draft Category 5 lateral agreements were mailed to affected landowners with a 14-day review window before signing.
