Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
Staff presented updated cost estimates for the Pure Water Southern California program, with Phase 1 now projected at $8.3 billion - a significant increase from previous $6.4 billion estimates due to inflation, supply chain issues, and scope refinements. The massive water recycling program would produce 150 million gallons per day through a 39-mile backbone pipeline system. Board expressed particular interest in direct potable reuse alternatives that eliminate expensive conveyance costs.
The GSA successfully exited state intervention and returned it to the Department of Water Resources for final review. Outreach efforts to the local grazing community generated strong engagement, with cattlemen asking detailed questions, prompting for a comprehensive November meeting. Development of the assessment fee structure continues with the next committee meeting scheduled for September 30th to determine funding approaches for ongoing operations.
The board approved budget amendments for a new monitoring wells project that has received positive community feedback and will begin installation this week. The district reported strong fiscal year performance with $43 million in revenue versus $37.9 million in expenses, generating a $5.1 million surplus for operating reserves. An ordinance strengthening enforcement against restaurants that improperly dispose of grease into the sewer system was reviewed but tabled for additional legal review.
The Joint CGA–GGA Board faces budget shortfalls after a failed Prop 218, prioritizing compliance and tabling the $438,000 for periodic evaluation to refine scope. They approved the $59,200 annual report task order and authorized a joint comment letter on DWR’s new subsidence standards, which may add costs under tight timelines. The domestic well mitigation program is advancing regionally with a $150 fee. GSA outreach activities are temporarily suspended due to budget constraints.
The board certified election results despite discovering approximately 30,000 excess votes were cast due to administrative errors, with legal counsel advising they lacked authority to invalidate the election. California faces requirements to reduce Colorado River water usage by 440,000 acre-feet over 20 years, though the local irrigation district maintains it has already contributed enough through existing programs. The board also approved purchasing a replacement dump truck for $207,809...
