Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
A draft well mitigation program was released for public comment, offering up to $40,000 in assistance for domestic wells that go dry due to groundwater management activities since January 2022. The program will be administered through a partnership with Self-Help Enterprises, focusing specifically on domestic and small water system wells rather than agricultural wells. With a $300,000 initial budget, the program targets the 126 wells potentially at risk when groundwater reaches minimum...
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.
