Top 3 Key Takeaways
Delta-Mendota Canal Subsidence Correction Project Phase 1 Approved ($90 Million Scope):
The Board approved a $90 million Phase 1 package of repairs, including:
- Upper DMC fixes between Jones Pumping Plant and the Intertie ($19.75M)
- Nine sag area repairs ($8.23M)
- Panel repair program for 24 sites over 5 years ($28M)
- Lower DMC panel replacements ($28M)
The Authority will pursue non-reimbursable federal funding, but if less than $90M is secured, the scope may be scaled back (e.g., fewer sag areas or repair sites) or agencies may need to tap into $300M in reimbursable Reclamation funds, triggering cost-sharing obligations.
Federal Funding Uncertainty Poses $40–60 Million Risk:
The Authority is seeking part of $1B in federal infrastructure funding already appropriated by Congress, with allocations expected by late October. The Department of Interior controls distribution, and outcomes may range from no funding to substantial awards. If non-reimbursable dollars fall short, members may face exposure to $40–60M in costs. Several board members stressed the need to plan for the “worst case” even while hoping for federal support.
O’Neill Forebay Extended Outage Scheduled October 6–25:
The outage will limit Jones Pumping Plant operations to 2–4 units, reducing deliveries during a critical recharge and late-season irrigation period. Federal operators noted fall river temperature management (especially on the Sacramento and American Rivers) as another potential challenge heading into Water Year 2026.
Other Key Takeaways
- DCI Intertie pump repair costs rose by $66,440 due to delays and labor rate corrections, bringing the total to $466,440.
- Authority supported HR 4879 (Emergency Rural Water Response Act), expanding grant eligibility to communities up to 35,000 population.
- Proposition 4 implementation is moving forward with emergency rulemaking to speed fund distribution, though allocations are smaller than requested.
- North-to-South transfer EIS scoping set for Sept. 17–18; buyer participation letters due Oct. 3.
- Reclamation facing finance and budget processing delays due to Interior Department reorganization, which could slow routine payments.
- Sites Reservoir negotiations continue with Reclamation on governance and participation.
- Water operations stable (federal San Luis at ~250,000 AF; exports ~4,200 CFS) but late fall conditions could strain temperature management.
Board Approvals
- Consent calendar items (minutes, financial reports, staff reports)
- Phase 1 Delta-Mendota Canal Subsidence Correction Project scope and cost allocation methodology
- DCI pump repair contract increase to $466,440
- Legislative positions: support for HR 4879; modified position on SB 707
How to Engage
Contact the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority at 842 6th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 826-9696, or visit www.sldmwa.org for meeting materials and updates. Next regular Board meeting date was not specified in the transcript.
