Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Cordero reported Colorado River runoff to Powell projected at 5 MAF (52% of average) and risk of Powell nearing 3,500 ft — 10 ft above minimum power pool. Staff briefed Bay-Delta risks (levees, sea level rise, climate, regs, aqueduct subsidence). Minutes were approved; item 3C moved to closed session.
A San Diego CWA–Western MWD water exchange milestone was highlighted; GM said an intrastate transfers MOU info item will come in April. Biennium budget alternatives will be presented later that day. The committee approved minutes and April agendas/schedule, added a Chavez holiday renaming item to April agendas, and discussed department-head evaluation updates returning in April for action.
Proposed SGMA fee (Tier 1 for all parcels; Tier 2 for ag acres and domestic users incl. private wells, up to $7.94/acre undistricted ag) goes to a May 18, 2026 public hearing. Winter recharge signed up 4,000+ acres and recharged ~3,600 AF in January. Staff noted WY2025 annual report figures show most indicators green.
Board ratified a cost-share agreement adding KNDLA into subbasin coordination costs, with projected annual amounts of about $23K or $37K depending on GSA size and possible additional cash calls. PMP demand-management policy work is underway; the ad hoc plans to meet after the holiday (early April). Outreach workshops may occur this summer after the annual plan is completed.
Basin conditions remain strong with groundwater levels recovered to pre-drought elevations and sustainability criteria met for WY2025. Extraction fees are increasingly burdening agricultural users, who now pay about three-quarters of costs based on pumping levels, and staff may bring a Prop 218/extraction-fee policy discussion at a future meeting (potentially April). Staff also canceled planned water budget modeling, reducing future consulting costs.
