Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—on the road, on your tractor, or at home.
The Multi-benefit Land Repurposing Plan's final approval has been delayed until November due to pending state feedback, with project applications due December 1st for priority consideration. Despite outreach efforts, no new projects have been submitted to date, prompting plans for enhanced community engagement including virtual meetings and networking events. All funded projects must be completed by December 2026 to meet current grant requirements.
The San Joaquin Valley's unified water plan is advancing rapidly, with initial chapters under review and a critical water supply gap of 2.5-3 million acre-feet identified by 2040 due to SGMA compliance, climate change, and environmental requirements. The team is rapidly expanding partnerships to shape a unifying voice for valley water interests. Comments on the plan's first chapters are due October 6th, with the full administrative draft expected by year-end.
The board voted to withdraw from a state construction cost accounting program after determining it wasn't suitable for the district, reversing policy changes made in 2023. DWR issued a second consecutive inadequacy letter regarding the district's annual groundwater report, citing deficiencies in water quality monitoring and plan implementation. The district secured nearly $1 million in federal NRCS funding for pipeline infrastructure projects after completing required cultural resources...
The district reported 273,000 acre-feet of supply remaining through August, with use slightly above forecast and year-end carryover projected at the 120,000 acre-foot cap. It is anticipating $25 million in federal funding for recharge projects, with the required match met through existing wells and land. The board also adopted a Science Program Accountability Strategy to advance endangered species recovery while easing regulatory pressure on water use.
The board reviewed their 2024 power source disclosure showing continued reliance on natural gas generation. Directors discussed potential changes to governance policies ahead of December elections, particularly whether to maintain higher voting thresholds for selecting leadership positions. The district is actively pursuing FEMA reimbursement for extensive storm damage that required replacing approximately 300 power poles, marking their first major test of the federal assistance process.
