A Kings County groundwater agency recently approved a $2.1 million budget – the minimum it will need to adhere to state regulations – based on a future assessment election that even its own manager doesn’t think will pass.  The South Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) approved the plan on June 18. It hinges on the county continuing an agreement to loan the GSA money as an advance on existing land assessment fees that are set to expire in 2028.  A Proposition 218 election to set new land assessment fees, which has yet to be scheduled, is expected to fail, according to South Fork General Manager Johnny Gailey. Meanwhile, growers may be asked to voluntarily pay a pumping fee as part of an “innovative revenue stream” being considered.

Other groundwater news around the West:

• The Sun Gazette (Exeter, Calif.): Friant Water pushes for no-pump zone in southern Tulare County
• Pinal Central (Casa Grande, Ariz.): New study provides analysis on retaining Ariz. water