Lake County’s Water Resources Department asked the board to expand the allowable uses of a previously authorized $500,000 stormwater match to help fund immediate Groundwater Sustainability Act (SGMA) obligations for the Big Valley Basin.

Todd Abbott, the county’s groundwater coordinator, outlined SGMA requirements and ongoing county work: the Big Valley Basin is a medium‑priority basin subject to SGMA, annual reports are required and a five‑year periodic evaluation is due in 2027. Abbott and Director Pawan Upadhyay said immediate needs include annual reporting (estimated $40,000–$80,000 per year, with consultant modeling costs), a periodic evaluation (~$200,000) and a recommended $100,000 feasibility study to develop a long‑term funding approach.

Staff reported about $50,000 has been expended from the approved match to date and roughly $450,000 remains available on a rollover basis through 2027. They proposed using a portion of the remaining funds for groundwater administration and reporting through the 2027 periodic evaluation, while continuing to pursue state grants and other long‑term funding options. The board approved expanding the fund use and accepted the GSPAC update.

Public commenters and representatives of local organizations urged care in process and oversight. Angela DePalma Dow of the Lake County Land Trust asked that the Clean Water Program and the Blue Ribbon Committee — which originally committed the match funds — be consulted and recommended the board confirm the change is consistent with prior grant terms. Staff responded that the work has continued using internal match and that projects are proceeding across both groundwater and stormwater programs.

Next steps: staff will advance a funding strategy for long‑term SGMA compliance and continue to apply for state grant rounds; the expanded match use provides short‑term funding to complete required reporting and the 2027 periodic evaluation.