Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
A special benefit assessment election passed with 80.46% approval to fund a ~$56 million flood capture expansion projects. Following the results, Chairman Don Cameron announced he will resign at the end of the meeting due to 1090 conflict-of-interest concerns tied to his role as operator of connected infrastructure. Additionally, a Bureau of Reclamation meter grant closes September 30, 2026, with staff urging landowners with incomplete files to act immediately to secure rebates.
Committee discussed the ~$600K model calibration cost share among seven groups and gave its representative flexibility: start with 1/7, but may consider 2023 Exhibit B while seeking a faster/non-phased approach and stating Northern's expectation that this issue not become recurring. February monitoring showed no groundwater-level exceedances for Northern; nitrate/TDS wells are watch items. DWR subsidence/GSP meetings may occur mid-to-late June.
The 2026 Deficit Irrigation Program (DIP) was reported as starting June 2, targeting ~225,000 acre-feet of conservation with peak fallowing of ~120,000 acres around August 1. An agricultural drought workshop is scheduled for June 15–16 to brief growers on Colorado River conditions. Staff reported that Reclamation published its final 2026 decree accounting, showing IID's total conservation at 726,000 acre-feet, with the on-farm program reaching its second-highest total ever.
Paulsell Phase 1—about six miles of canal expansion funded by a $14.4M grant—was reported complete, designed for up to 180 cfs. Phase 2 work was discussed for this winter (design proposal expected soon). District groundwater pumping remains minimal at under 200 acre-feet, with surface water rights handling most supply needs. Proposition 4 grant funding was discussed as a future opportunity.
The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 1365 approving the 2025 Coachella Valley Regional Urban Water Management Plan and DWA's Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Staff and the consultant said groundwater supplies can meet projected urban demands over 25 years. Director Gracia asked about the Cadiz water import project; the consultant said it was not included in the plan, and Gracia urged monitoring of its potential regional impact.
