The Board approved public release of the Phase 2 Fee Engineer's Report, which proposes an ongoing annual fee to replace the now-expired Phase 1 Fee. The fee would cover three categories: GSA administration (~$1.25M), monitoring and technical studies (~$840K), and domestic well mitigation (~$725K), totaling a maximum annual budget of ~$2.815M. Spread across approximately 186,315 eligible acres (all parcels receiving a groundwater allocation, including opt-in parcels), the estimated maximum annual charge is $15.11 per acre. The Board will vote on adopting the report and setting the Proposition 218 public hearing at the April 9 meeting, with 45-day protest notices mailing out shortly after. Two public workshops are scheduled: March 26 at Le Grand Community Services District (1:30–3:00 PM) and March 31 at the UC Cooperative Extension facility near the Merced airport (afternoon, with virtual option) and a third evening session in the Stevinson area. Growers should attend these workshops to provide feedback before the formal hearing.
Already have an account? Sign In
