El Rico GSA reviewed a map showing about 173,000 of 233,000 acres with allocations. Staff will check uncertain parcel classifications as it prepares to implement allocations and review pumping; no parcel-specific change was approved. GEARS reporting opens November 2 and is due February 1, 2027. Staff said the State Water Board will not waive penalties this cycle. A ruling remains pending on disputed State Water Board fees.
The board approved a $2-per-acre benefit assessment for 2026, expected to generate roughly $412,000 to fund groundwater sustainability plan work. An allocation map was reviewed identifying parcels proposed to receive no water allocation, with landowners urged to contact the GSA if their parcel was incorrectly mapped. The board also discussed correcting a state agency claim of low reporting compliance, which the GSA says is based on flawed well data.
The board voted to return to one shared GSP across the sub-basin, which would avoid the need for a coordination agreement. It approved two engagement letters (Scalmanini and GeoSyntec) totaling ~$1.1M to update the GSP, targeting completion by June of next year. A Rudor groundwater model update using recent-year data is starting, with requests for historical surface-water data expected soon.
The board approved a ~$190K contract to update the groundwater model with recent hydrology data for SGMA work. A new state grant round (300M+ statewide) may offer 100% funding; recharge near Corcoran was discussed. Staff said non-reporting can affect allocations; non-compliance fees were not added yet.
Growers must complete MLJ registration immediately or risk showing a zero allocation once spreadsheets are generated. GEARS reporting is due **May 1** for the period 7/15/2024–9/30/2025, with MLJ bulk-upload tools available to simplify submission. The board is actively researching whether growers can legally receive allocation credit for private water banking efforts, with legal findings expected at the next meeting.
