At the July 28th board meeting, the East Kaweah GSA Board of Directors made a motion to proceed with a rate study to consider potentially increasing land-based assessments and water transfer fees. Increased assessments would provide funds to continue implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) locally, through continual development of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), Mitigation Program, and overall financial health of the GSA.
The rate study is expected to be completed in the coming months, and upon completion, East Kaweah GSA will evaluate the study and recommend next steps. The rate study will determine the benefits of increased assessments and provide justification for a potential Proposition 218 election, requiring landowners to vote “yes” to adopt new assessments. If a Proposition 218 election is necessary, East Kaweah GSA will notify landowners in advance in compliance with Proposition 218 requirements.
SGMA is not funded by the state, so it is the GSA’s responsibility to fund SGMA implementation. The Kaweah Subbasin GSAs have worked to keep local control under the Department of Water Resources (DWR) rather than in the hands of the state. Under the State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Board’s) control, stakeholders face additional restrictions and fees, and GSAs do not have primary decision-making power if they are under probation. Potentially raising assessments would help East Kaweah GSA have the funds to keep SGMA implementation in local hands.
East Kaweah GSA understands firsthand that SGMA implementation can be challenging as landowners adapt their farming practices to fit sustainability requirements. The GSA is doing everything it can to lessen the burden on landowners’ shoulders, including working diligently to keep out of the threat of probation with the State Board.
The GSA continues pursuing grant funding for sustainability projects for the benefit of stakeholders. In addition to grant funds, the potential land assessment would cover portions of sustainability projects in the GSA.
East Kaweah GSA will continue to keep landowners updated on the rate study progress. To stay up to date on next steps, subscribe to our email list at ekgsa.org/contact.