On Thursday, Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID) joined a coalition of water agencies expressing opposition to AB 3030 (Kalra), unless amended.
The bill is related to land and water conservation goals, but would create a costly, confusing, and likely contentious state policy that would fail to promote the collaboration necessary to achieve meaningful conservation in California.
Read the District’s full letter below.
The following news release was originally posted by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID) is a partner in the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released the Final Feasibility Report, which documents potential costs and benefits of the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project. As part of a continuing effort to increase storage capability throughout California, Reclamation and the Contra Costa Water District worked together on Phase 2 of the project to increase the capacity from 160,000 acre-feet up to 275,000 acre-feet and adding new conveyance facilities.
In October 2018, President Trump issued the Memorandum on Promoting the Reliable Supply and Delivery of Water in the West. Reclamation, together with its partners, is acting on that call and taking action to improve water supply reliability throughout the state.
“We are pleased to partner with CCWD on this smart expansion project that would create additional storage capacity in an existing footprint,” said Commissioner Brenda Burman. “This is a win-win for the Bay Area and the Central Valley Project.”
This expansion could provide increased water supply reliability and operational flexibility to the Central Valley Project. In addition, the expansion would deliver water supplies to various Bay Area municipal and industrial water providers, as well as federally-recognized wildlife refuge areas and irrigation districts in the San Joaquin Valley.
“This is a significant milestone for the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project and project partners,” said CCWD Board President Lisa Borba. “We are grateful for our partnership with Reclamation as we move forward to make this important investment in water storage a reality.”
“As a potential beneficiary of the expanded storage and improved conveyance facilities, the Del Puerto Water District commends both Reclamation and CCWD’s efforts to bring LVRE to this important milestone, said Del Puerto Water District General Manager Anthea Hansen. Water infrastructure, especially expanded storage capacity and improved connectivity between different regions of our state, are foremost on the minds of water managers in California. I am truly impressed with the excellent work of the CCWD team and look forward to hopefully being a part of this much-needed project, not only for my region but for the health and prosperity of our wonderful state.”
The LVE is a joint investigation between Reclamation and CCWD authorized by Congress in 2003. The objectives of the expansion are to develop water supplies for environmental water management, increase water supply reliability for water providers within the San Francisco Bay Area, and improve the quality of water deliveries to municipal and industrial customers. The Final Feasibility Report was transmitted to Congress on August 11.
The Final Feasibility Report is available on Reclamation’s website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/vaqueros/.
Byron, CA (August 12, 2020) – In a collaborative effort to help public agencies, cities and counties secure funding for public purpose projects, the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID) has partnered to launch the California Municipal Public Financing Authority (CalMuni PFA or Authority).
The CalMuni PFA was established to issue tax-exempt and taxable conduit revenue bonds. The Authority will help lower costs and streamline the execution of critical infrastructure projects, bolstering water efficiency and reliability across California. BBID is one of two charter members of the newly formed Joint Powers Authority (JPA), which held its inaugural Board meeting last Tuesday.
“With the formation of the CalMuni PFA, special districts, cities and counties now have easier access to critically important, cost-effective funding mechanisms that will help support water reliability and resilience,” said BBID General Manager Rick Gilmore.
The CalMuni PFA financing team boasts decades of experience working with municipal banks and lenders, ensuring the financing process is completed expediently and public agency resources are used in the most efficient manner.
The purposes the CalMuni PFA may serve include financing or refinancing of capital improvement projects or working capital projects; the purchase of property or equipment; liability or other insurance, or retirement programs; or facilitating Members use of existing or new financial instruments and mechanisms.
The Independent Cities Finance Authority is the second charter member. The statewide JPA has dozens of member cities across the state and focuses primarily on health care and affordable housing projects in California.
The following news release was originally posted here on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation website:
FRESNO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announced today ongoing congressionally mandated contract conversions pursuant to the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act).
Today’s release includes draft repayment contracts from the Central Valley Project south-of-delta contractors for a 60-day public comment period. These are 15 of over 80 repayment contract conversions requested by federal Central Valley Project contractors.
The contractors include Banta-Carbona Irrigation District, Byron-Bethany Irrigation District, Contra Costa Water District, Del Puerto Water District, Eagle Field Water District, Mercy Springs Water District, The West Side Irrigation District, West Stanislaus Irrigation District, Westlands Water District – Assignment from Oro Loma Water District, Fresno Slough Water District, James Irrigation District, Patterson Irrigation District, Reclamation District No. 1606, Tranquility Irrigation District, and Tranquility Public Utility District.
Reclamation plans to release additional draft repayment contracts with south-of-delta contractors, as applicable for public review in 2020. Reclamation will continue to release more draft repayment contracts throughout the year. Section 4011 of the WIIN Act directs Reclamation to convert water service contracts to repayment contracts upon a contractor’s request and authorizes prepayment of outstanding CVP construction costs.
Under Section 4011, full repayment is due within three years of the contract conversion. Both the prepayment and accelerated repayment of the contracts will result in the federal government being repaid well in advance of the original repayment deadline. These dollars will be placed in an account to fund much-needed storage projects. Increasing storage capacity will allow Reclamation’s projects to capture additional water in wet years to help meet the water needs for project purposes in dry years.
Written comments on this contract must be received by close of business on August 31, 2020 and sent to Erma Leal, South Central California Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, 1243 N Street, Fresno CA 93721 or faxed to 559-262-0371 or emailed to eleal@usbr.gov.
Check the following links to learn more about WIIN Act CVP contract conversions: All negotiated contracts are available at: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/wiin-act/negotiated-conversion-contracts.html.
The entire list of contract conversion requests can be viewed here: https://www.usbr.gov/mp/wiin-act/docs/the-wiin-act-9d-conversion-tracker.xlsx. View contract and WIIN Act information at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/wiin-act/. Contact Erma Leal for more information at 559-262-0350 or eleal@usbr.gov or (TTY 800-877-8339).
Today, the Congressional Research Service released its updated report on the Central Valley Project (CVP).
The full report, which details the latest perspectives on CVP issues including constraints on water deliveries, ecosystem restoration efforts, new storage and conveyance, and legislation, is below.
R45342The East Contra Costa Groundwater Sustainability Working Group, including the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID), is preparing a Draft Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Plan) and seeks input on the first two sections of the document.
The East Contra Costa Groundwater Subbasin is a medium priority subbasin, as determined by the State, and requires preparation of a Plan under the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
Sections 1 and 2 of the Draft Plan discuss the purpose of the Plan, the sustainability goal, the planning area, current and historical water and land uses, and information on groundwater wells in the East Contra Costa Groundwater Subbasin. You may comment on the document without attending the meeting. Sections 1 and 2 are found at the link below, or email groundwaterinfo@dcd.cccounty.us and request the document. Comments are due on July 20, 2020.
Link to document and other information: http://tinyurl.com/ECCGSP-1.
To hear more about the Plan, an online public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 9, from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.
You may register to attend here: http://tinyurl.com/ECCGSP-mtg1.
For additional SGMA inquiries, to provide more detailed comments, or to be included on the email list, please send us an email.
BBID is part of two groundwater subbasins, the Tracy Subbasin and the East Contra Costa Subbasin. Click here for more information.
The meeting workbook and initial announcement are below.
ECC_Outreach_Meeting_Workbook_Final2
Newspaper Notice 15June2020 - Final
Local public agencies, including the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID), are inviting the public to learn more about how agencies are working together to sustainably manage the region’s groundwater.
The virtual workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 21st, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/y9jmarho.
Representatives from local agencies will be on-hand to discuss the planning process as part of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA. Click here to learn more.
TracyWorkshop1_FullFlyer_FINALStockton, CA (June 11, 2020) – In a historic vote, a consolidation of two of the oldest irrigation districts in the Tracy area was approved Thursday. The San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted unanimously in favor of consolidating the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District (BBID) and the West Side Irrigation District (WSID).
“By combining forces, we will improve water reliability for our customers, as well as greater financial stability and improved efficiency,” said BBID GM Rick Gilmore. “We thank LAFCO for its consideration throughout this process, culminating with today’s affirmative vote.”
Resolutions previously approved by BBID and WSID call for the 6,000-acre WSID service area west of Tracy to be incorporated into the existing 30,000-acre service area of BBID, establishing a single 36,000- acre district. The former boundaries of WSID will be known as the West Side Service Area.
The merger has been in the works since 2016, when both districts first voted to move forward. Leaders from BBID and WSID formed an ad-hoc committee, carefully studying financial data and touring facilities dating back decades. Both agencies began in the early 1900s serving agricultural customers. Ultimately, leaders decided a merger would bring substantial benefits in the form of stronger water resources and water rights. Landowners expressed their strong support at a public meeting held at the outset of the process.
Last June, LAFCO adopted a final Municipal Service Review (MSR) and Sphere of Influence (SOI) prepared by both districts, which includes an extensive review of financial information, infrastructure, and services provided.
Following Thursday’s vote, per LAFCO procedure, a protest hearing will be held in 45 days. Unless more than 50% of the registered voters living in the affected area provide a written protest, the merger will become official.
BBID previously merged with the Plain View Water District in 2004.
In the June 2020 issue of Irrigation Leader, BBID Assistant General Manager Kelley Geyer tells the national publication about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the district’s operations and services. The full issue can be found here.
IL_Kelley_InterviewJoint Statement by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, Friant Water Authority, and the State Water Contractors, in Support of S.3811, the Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act
The introduction of the S.3811, the Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act by Sen. Dianne Feinstein is a welcome step toward restoring critically-important water supplies to 27 million Californians, 3 million acres of the nation’s most productive farmland, hundreds of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and restoration of the San Joaquin River.
This legislation helps to address the impacts of groundwater subsidence on major portions of California’s water delivery system – infrastructure millions of people depend on for water supply, flood control, and environmental protection.
The bill authorizes $600 million in federal funding for three major projects to repair California’s water delivery system, which has reduced conveyance capacity as a result of subsidence along the canals. The bill provides $200 million for the Friant-Kern Canal, $200 million for the Delta-Mendota Canal, and $200 million for the California Aqueduct. Additionally, the bill provides an additional $200 million in funding for restoration of the San Joaquin River, including environmentally protective infrastructure such as fish screens, fish bypass projects, and control structures necessary to successfully implement the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement.
“The Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act increases federal investments to restore California’s backbone water conveyance infrastructure, which is the foundation on which California’s success is built,” said Federico Barajas, executive director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “Access to reliable water is vital for California’s people, its environment and its economy. This is about investing in the repair and long-term reliability of California’s water infrastructure that serves millions of people, farmland vital to the nation’s food supply, and the preservation and restoration of California’s environment.”
“By helping to address the conveyance pinch on the Friant-Kern Canal – which has reduced its carrying capacity by as much as 60% in some locations – this bill assists with one of the most critical and desperate needs to achieve long-term sustainability in the San Joaquin Valley. The bill also makes significant investments in implementing the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement, in acknowledgement of the shared future between the Friant Division contractors and the San Joaquin River,” said Jason Phillips, executive director of the Friant Water Authority.
“Successful implementation of the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires that public water agencies have access to the full capacity of the State Water Project’s existing canals. Senator Feinstein’s bill helps restore capacity in existing canals that are used to move water into storage in wet years so it is available in dry years. Restoring canal capacity also supports implementation of water storage projects that produce environmental benefits funded by Proposition 1,” said Jennifer Pierre of the State Water Contractors.
The Restoration of Essential Conveyance Act complements legislation by Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16), the author of H.R. 5752, the Conveyance Capacity Correction Act, and H.R. 5316 by Rep. T.J. Cox (CA-21), the Move Water Now Act. Together, the Senate and House bills, if enacted, will provide significant funding necessary to repair these essential conveyance projects.
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Byron-Bethany Irrigation District is a member agency of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.
