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GSA advances Prop 68‑funded Chowchilla recharge project after rebid; local landowner seeks reconsideration for separate turnout

Madera County Groundwater Sustainability Agency Committee · February 5, 2026

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Summary

The committee reviewed bidding for a Prop 68‑funded Chowchilla recharge project to capture flood flows and reduce subsidence, recommended awarding after a rebid produced responsive offers, and heard a landowner ask the GSA to reconsider a turnout tied to a different grant-funded project.

Madera County — Staff updated the committee on a Prop 68‑funded recharge project in the Chowchilla/Chachula area intended to capture flood flows and reduce subsidence.

Jacinta Cabral said the project went out to bid twice: the first round produced one responsive bid that exceeded available grant funds and was rejected; a rebid with a reduced scope issued Jan. 2 produced four responsive bids after a Jan. 28 opening. Cabral recommended moving the contract forward to the board for award to the lowest responsive bidder so the project can proceed.

Scott Menifee, a landowner and Clayton Water District representative, said an easement he previously granted was based on an expectation of a turnout and pipeline that he now fears has been removed from the project design. “Please reconsider a much needed turnout at my location to serve many landowners in the Clayton Water District who do not have other surface water options,” Menifee said. Staff and directors clarified Menifee’s concern pertains to Chowchilla Project 2, a separate pot of grant funds, and staff offered to follow up with him and his engineer to align expectations.

Directors voted to recommend advancing the current contract to the board; roll call recorded the motion passing 2–0.

The project is fully funded by California Department of Water Resources Prop 68 grant funds, and staff stressed the need to keep the procurement moving to maintain grant timelines and realize subsidence‑reduction benefits.