Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Curtailments are expected in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds in 2026, with Scott-area snowpack at 1% of average. Statewide snowpack was 16–21% of April 1 average while reservoirs were 119% of average. Environmental groups urged review of Reclamation's draft 2026 Temperature Management Plan under Order 95 and the 2024 NMFS BiOp; staff requested additional modeling and information.
Cost-share debate on model calibration (options shown at ~$500K) continued; members discussed keeping the 1/7 cost share and/or consolidating smaller groups' seats. The Committee voted to support pursuing a WaterSMART grant (up to $400K; 50% match) if cost share is agreed. PRP reminders: metering due Jan 2026; aquifer-specific reporting required; 2026 lower-aquifer target: 1,805 AF.
Basin storage is ~95% (about 76,000 AF) after exceptional precipitation. A Ventura River Watershed adjudication trial is expected in late Aug/early Sept 2026 among three proposed physical solutions; the locally backed plan aims to avoid altering water rights, while the state proposal raised cost/regulatory concerns. The board approved the audited financial statements for FY ending 9/30/2025 and 9/30/2024 and discussed ~$698K net position held ahead of a ~$250K five-year GSP reporting cost.
DWR outlined ~$386.25M in Prop 4 groundwater funding. Draft guidelines are anticipated fall 2026, with applications anticipated in early 2027 (subject to change). Prop 4 requires no bond cost share. DWR discussed proposed funding priorities: recharge/conjunctive use, subsidence BMP actions, recommended corrective actions, conveyance, and potential ag land adaptation (bond limits; legal review ongoing).
Staff presented a proposed FY2027 budget of ~$1.282B; rates are lower than last year's projection due to the paused Pacheco Reservoir expansion. Anderson Dam seismic retrofit may be awarded in summer 2026, with capital spending rising. WIFIA timing is uncertain; interim notes were outlined as a bridge. A separate $106M WIFIA loan for Safe Clean Water projects has also been postponed indefinitely. CIP hearing continues to May 12, 2026 for closure; budget adoption is planned for May 12, 2026.
