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SFPUC votes to join San Joaquin Tributaries Authority despite public concerns
Summary
The commission authorized a joint powers agreement to join five San Joaquin-area irrigation districts in a successor organization to the San Joaquin River Group Authority; staff and the city attorney said the JPA includes protections allowing San Francisco to opt out of specific 'special projects.'
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to authorize the president to execute a joint powers agreement with the Merced, Modesto, Oakdale, South San Joaquin and Turlock irrigation districts to form the San Joaquin Tributaries Authority.
Steve Ritchie, assistant general manager for water, said the JPA allows San Francisco to participate with river-area districts on common water-rights and planning matters while retaining the ability to decline participation in specific "special projects" that the authority may pursue. City attorney staff said the agreement includes protections that would prevent the association from taking actions that would affect San Francisco's water rights without the city's consent.
Public commenter Peter Drechmeyer urged caution, saying the Central Valley culture and interests differ from San Francisco's and warning the city not to be "in bed with people who don't value the environment the way we do." Staff and public supporters countered that membership strengthens San Francisco's voice in state water politics and provides opportunities to influence river management.
After discussion and floor motions, the commission approved joining the JPA by voice vote. Staff said San Francisco would not be compelled to participate financially in special projects and can withhold its name from projects it does not support.
