Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Board approved 3 eminent domain resolutions to acquire properties for Coyote Creek flood protection project, which aims to prevent flooding like the February 2017 event. Officials received an update on closing out the Pacheco Reservoir Expansion Project after spending approximately $100 million, with $76 million going to consultants alone. Staff also presented an overview of how water infrastructure projects are identified and prioritized through master plans and asset management programs.
Board approved $271,000 for a three-year satellite-based crop water monitoring contract with Land IQ to meet state groundwater management requirements. They also authorized $20,000 for continued Groundwater Sustainability Plan implementation through December 2025, with key commitments due by 2025-2026. Major infrastructure projects totaling 33,800 acre feet of annual capacity are progressing, including canal expansions and new wells that are 80% complete.
Committee approved a draft policy for an incentivized fallowing program that will pay farmers $730 per acre annually for 3 consecutive years to voluntarily fallow fields, with applications accepted November-December for 2026 implementation. Staff recommended rescinding a priority action area designation for monitoring well ETSGSA-08 after discovering calculation errors. 47% of groundwater accounting platform accounts remaining unclaimed, which represents only 26% of total acres.
The board unanimously approved terminating a 1985 recreation agreement with Stanislaus County, effective October 2026, due to failed negotiations and facility concerns. This will cost $2.8 million but generate future revenue. Health insurance premiums were approved with modest increases of 4-10% for employees. Board members praised staff for successfully managing the 2025 irrigation season with minimal disruptions despite ongoing organizational changes.
Groundwater levels have recovered to 2013 levels at about 120 feet district-wide, though faster progress is needed to meet 2040 sustainability targets. Staff recommended changes to subsidence management policies, moving away from depth-based pumping restrictions due to complex geology showing most district pumping contributes to subsidence. Board approved a $50,000 public relations campaign to enhance its communication with state regulators and stakeholders outside Central Valley.
