Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
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.
The Board was scheduled to consider a major construction contract with Garney Pacific, Inc. for Phase 1 of the Reservation Road Desalination Plant Renovation Project. Additionally, the Board had on its agenda amendments for the Inter-Garrison Road Pipeline Upsizing Project and continued engineering services for the A1/A2 B/C Booster Station Project, representing significant planned water infrastructure investments.
Board postponed decisions on shutting down a low-producing well requiring costly filtration upgrades and replacing a deteriorating sewer line under Moore Street Bridge until financial details are clarified. Members struggled with the new Munis financial reporting system and asked for more explanation and training from the city's finance officer before acting on the reports. The only formal action taken was reappointing Stephen Ayers as board chair.
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.
