Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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Staff said DWR may consider alternative ways to address subsidence impacts, though mitigation costs remain a concern. A Section 203 dam-raise study could cost around $5 million, with up to $1.5 million in potential federal reimbursement. Directors questioned a proposal to use $1 million in project funding for a pipeline connection in exchange for credits against future wheeling fees and discussed meeting with project representatives before any commitment.
The Consolidated Irrigation District board approved an expected $20,000 share of a review of MAGSA’s groundwater model. Staff seeks canal-capacity results in December to guide recharge and financing plans while contacting growers about possible floodwater use. The board accepted its 2025 audit, authorized a channel-loss agreement and set its next meeting for November 13 at 1:00 p.m.
The board adopted a conservative 2027 budget assuming a 50% State Water Project allocation and no banking activity, with projected year-end cash of $6.6 million. The fall survey found about 107,000 irrigated acres, down from just over 115,000 in spring; some row crops had been harvested. The general manager proposed lowering the non-contract water rate from $168 to $100 per acre-foot to encourage local deliveries, but the board did not adopt a rate change.
The board discussed prioritizing Well 23 and a direct-delivery screen over Well 33, and passed a capital-project schedule motion. No separate construction contract was approved. The initial 2027 budget shows a $71,934 gap; staff will bring revisions in November. Staff also discussed a possible future shift to pumping-based groundwater accounting. No 2027 allocation or water-rate increase was adopted.
The board approved a $30,000 cap per eligible domestic well mitigation claim, excluding replacement-water costs, despite concerns about higher well costs. Self Help Enterprises outlined potential services; no contract was approved, and staff will return with costs and other available options. The board also adopted a stakeholder engagement framework, approved up to $2,500 annually for online meeting posts, and authorized access agreements for two ARPA-funded monitoring wells.
