Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Groundwater level targets were updated and approved, setting measurable objectives to historical averages from 2015–2025 and interim milestones equal to those objectives, reflecting a stable basin with no overdraft. An RFP is underway for ongoing SGMA support; interviews are anticipated mid-August and a contract could be considered at an anticipated special August meeting. Five new monitoring wells and five stream gauges are now online to support recharge projects and groundwater reporting.
Langley’s desktop review found no groundwater-dependent ecosystems of concern in 2015 or 2019–2024; one field assessment scored 60 as a baseline, not a finding of harm. The committee discussed recharge and demand management but approved no projects. Staff reported significantly higher per-connection fees, citing depleted grants, subbasin-specific work and revised pumping attribution.
A ~$100,000 Cortina Creek siphon repair using a spin-cast concrete lining method was approved. Operations are running 2,500 CFS; SCADA shows demand tracking nearly identical to last year. Board gave the GM discretion to select a roofing contractor and proceed, with roof replacement quotes around $163k–$165k plus gutters and roof-extension scope/pricing still being finalized.
The Advisory Committee did not reach consensus on a single IIS portfolio. Debate focused on Portfolio 3A (~$1.07B capital) and Portfolio 4 (~$612M). Members discussed considerations including cost allocation, injection pilots/aquifer testing, financing, and alternative supplies, and indicated both 3A and 4 should be evaluated with those considerations, though no formal vote was recorded. Staff said they will bring their own recommendation addressing seawater intrusion to the Board.
Board approved awarding the $2.8M Big Dry Creek–Friant-Kern Canal turnout project to Nicholas General Engineering Contractors, funded largely by a $2.5M Fresno County ARPA grant (FID covers balance). Board also approved Vernon Drain structure replacement (~$330K). SGMA allocation work continues with initial agency figures nearing completion; well-registration enforcement policy expected Aug/Sept. Biola ribbon cutting celebration July 29.
