1. The Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP) is moving toward project implementation with four priority projects selected — three groundwater recharge projects and one community solar project. The recharge projects include Los Gatos and Passahero Phase 2 (both along the Coalinga Canal, upstream of Huron) and a grower-led Section 21 project converting ~50 acres of almonds/wheat to a recharge basin. The grower on the Section 21 project has agreed to forgo transitional groundwater allocation, reducing overall pumping. Contracts are the next step, with construction breaking ground in September 2026 and completion targeted for February 2027.
2. Westlands Water District is finalizing regional goals for its MLRP plan, and community input is being incorporated before the plan is adopted in December 2026. The Department of Conservation required Westlands to define region-specific goals around community health, economic well-being, water supply, habitat, and climate resilience. Breakout discussions yielded suggestions including adding "regenerative agriculture" to the climate resilience goal, emphasizing strategies like improved irrigation practices to make water supply goals actionable, and minimizing workforce displacement as agricultural land transitions out of production.
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