1. Gradient Facility Rehabilitation Project Shifts Direction with New Project Management The board heard from the ad hoc Gradient Facility Committee about a significant course change on this project. The district discussed bringing in Holly Daly — who has deep history with the original fish screen construction and the Gradient facility from her time at GCID — to support project management and lead a more collaborative permitting approach with state and federal agencies. The strategy involves forming a technical review committee that includes the regulatory agencies, reframing the project as a celebrated environmental partnership under SB 1086, and rebuilding relationships with CDFW and other permitting agencies that have deteriorated as turnover at the previous consulting team eroded institutional knowledge. General Manager Jeff Sutton indicated this approach has already received positive signals from CDFW leadership. A formal proposal from Daly will come to the board at the next meeting, and while this may push the project timeline to 2028, district leadership expressed strong confidence that getting the permitting path right is worth the additional time.
Already have an account? Sign In
