Three Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Sustainability agencies will receive $5.5 million in state funding from the California Department of Water Resources. The funds will aid in the implementation and management of groundwater sustainability projects that benefit the communities of Santa Ynez and Lompoc and nearby agricultural lands. … The Santa Ynez River Valley Groundwater Basin stretches from several miles east of Cachuma Lake along the riverbed to Vandenberg Space Force Base, and multiple cities, services districts and others have a stake in its waters. Because of its size and the multiple jurisdictions involved, three groundwater management agencies — the Eastern, Central and Western — were formed to develop sustainability plans for their areas. Eight agencies and various stakeholders will reportedly collaborate in the implementation of sustainable groundwater initiatives affecting the Santa Ynez Basin.