Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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The project application deadline has been extended to January 30, 2026, with scoring in February and final approval packets submitted in March. A major clarification confirms that not every project needs to directly benefit disadvantaged communities—projects only need to meet one or two of three program priorities. The district is pursuing an extension of the December 31, 2026 implementation deadline due to lengthy permitting processes.
The Commission approved the Kern Fan Groundwater Storage Project's reclassification to conjunctive use and $5.57 million in early funding. Significant controversy emerged over the Sites Reservoir Project's selection of Barnard Construction, with labor organizations objecting and a prior letter from Governor Newsom urging strong labor relations. DWR presented its SB 72 implementation framework with a 9 million acre‑foot additional supply target by 2040.
The Board discussed the April 1, 2026 deadline for mandatory flow meter installation and compliance documentation, with a mailing campaign planned to inform landowners. Groundwater monitoring showed stable basin conditions, with 37 of 40 wells measured in Q4 2025, and a new trend monitoring program being developed. The Board elected 2026 officers and welcomed a new full director.
The Board renewed its federal advocacy contract ($5,000/month) which has previously secured $40M+ in funding, and adopted the revised FY 2025-26 budget showing strong financial performance with $12.3M in operating revenues and $83M total cash. Water infrastructure agreements for the Desert Grow development project were also approved.
The District dedicated a plaque honoring Professor Richard Luthy at a new groundwater recharge research basin and launched a monitoring project with Stanford University. District landowners secured $4.5 million in NRCS funding through the Water Spawn Initiative, being one of only three priority areas in the western U.S. The domestic well mitigation program advanced with an RFQ for well drillers expected to yield contracts by early March 2026.
