Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The district welcomed a new Customer Service Supervisor who has already improved staff morale and customer service operations. Major infrastructure progress continued with 13 active construction projects adding over 2 miles of water main and 1.5 miles of sewer main, plus 300 new service connections. The board received financial recognition for excellence in reporting and approved significant budget amendments including a $5.4 million rollover for tank project completion.
The committee discussed finalizing groundwater allocation rules for 2026, developing domestic well mitigation programs, and responding to new state requirements for subsidence monitoring. Growers need to be aware of upcoming deadlines for allocation opt-ins and alternative water source reporting.
The board addressed ongoing challenges with state oversight exclusion hearing delays and low well registration compliance while approving a promising groundwater banking feasibility study. Key operational updates included water delivery reports and equipment purchases, with continued focus on subsidence management around the Friant-Kern Canal.
The board approved a domestic well mitigation program and presented preliminary fee estimates of $19 per acre and $15 per acre-foot, with a Proposition 218 election planned for 2026. The GSA faces significant financial challenges with negative cash flow and needs sustainable funding to avoid state intervention.
The board decreased the 2026 tiered groundwater allocation to 0.75 acre-feet per acre from 1.00 acre-feet last year and approved several infrastructure projects while implementing new well registration requirements. New state subsidence management guidelines may impact future operations but the agency believes it's already in compliance with most requirements.
