Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
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RP2026 self-directed fallowing and cover-crop reports are due by the end of November; surface-water reports are due December 31. A draft five-year GSP review puts groundwater levels above 2027 milestones and begins a 30-day public comment period. The board authorized a monitoring-well easement, gauging agreements subject to legal review, and pursuit of a Water Resources Analyst hire. Counsel clarified restrictions on board members holding MLRP contracts.
Montecito outlined a proposed $40 million sale of about 42% of its State Water Project interest, plus Semitropic storage-and-recovery rights and stored water; the board took no action. Staff discussed potential spill risk to some of the roughly 44,000 acre-feet in San Luis Reservoir. The board accepted a DWR charges audit report. DWR calculated a potential $7.9 million debt-service benefit that requires updating for 2028 before implementation.
The board unanimously approved revised salary ranges and selected title changes for six administrative positions, at an estimated annualized cost of $93,859, and raised the general manager’s salary to $290,000. Comments on the land-repurposing plan supported by an $8.9 million grant are due November 6; PV Water may apply for another $8.11 million in spring 2027. College Lake testing is planned through December 15, and the facility delivered about 171 acre-feet through September.
Commissioners reviewed five FY 2026-2027 proposals and voted to recommend three to the Board: high school water education, a creek cleanup, and resource kits for homeless youth. Teams expect to start in early December, subject to Board approval. Staff introduced Aaron Baker ahead of a January 4, 2027, leadership appointment. There is no November meeting; the next is January 27, with a flood preparedness discussion planned.
The committee recommended a $454,181 pipeline restoration award to Whitaker Construction Group, a no-cost extension for additional tank work, and the addition of Drying Bed No. 3. It voted to continue the golden mussel emergency as staff plans chemical injection upstream of the raw water pumps. The State Water Project allocation remains at 45%, and Kern River water is expected to supply the treatment plant through year-end.
