Top 3 Key Takeaways
Budget Amendment Approved for Well Mitigation Program: The GSA approved a contract amendment increasing the budget by $110,000 (from $240,000 to $350,000) to complete the Well Mitigation Program and Management Actions by the January 2026 deadline. The increase covers additional workshops and committee meetings needed due to scope changes, including converting planned working group meetings to public board workshops.
Workshop Timeline for Groundwater Management Programs: Two critical workshops are planned - Workshop 4 in October will focus on the draft Well Mitigation Program, and Workshop 5 in November will cover the groundwater use management program. Draft documents will be released at least 2 weeks before each workshop to allow adequate public review time.
Management Action Implementation Deadlines: Both the Well Mitigation Program and groundwater allocation management actions must be drafted by January 2026, with implementation required by January 2027. This compressed timeline means member agencies need sufficient time to get approvals through their respective boards and councils before implementation.
Additional Key Takeaways
The GSA is working with Self Help Enterprises to administer the well mitigation program and has received feedback on draft agreements.
A public commenter from Provost & Pritchard used a moving analogy to emphasize that management areas who prepared early for groundwater sustainability shouldn't be penalized, while slower-moving areas should bear greater responsibility.
A representative for landowners in the Non-District East area pushed back strongly against characterizations that growers in that area have done nothing, noting many have invested in infrastructure and are participating in water transfer programs.
The contract amendment includes optional tasks for quarterly GSA updates, groundwater dashboard development, remote metering analysis, and ongoing technical support.
October 8th is scheduled as the next GSA meeting at 1:30 PM at Oakdale Irrigation District.
Board Actions
How to Engage: Growers can participate in upcoming workshops (dates TBA for October and November), submit public comments at monthly GSA meetings, or contact the GSA through their website at www.strgba.org. The next meeting is October 8, 2025 at 1:30 PM, available both in-person at Oakdale Irrigation District and via Zoom.
