Wasco council backs regional recharge project with letter of support, says no city funding commitment

Wasco City Council voted unanimously Dec. 16 to authorize a letter of support for a proposed regional groundwater recharge project being advanced by SWID (described in the staff presentation as a canal and percolation-pond scheme to capture excess surface water for recharge).

City staff reported that the local Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) submittal had been accepted by the state and would not be placed on probation. The proposed infrastructure — described by staff as a large percolation pond and conveyance facilities — would be developed by the irrigation district and seek grant funding; staff said the support letter is an introductory endorsement to accompany grant proposals being prepared for state agencies.

Council members asked whether the letter obligates the city financially; staff responded that the letter carries no city cost or exposure and that, if grants fall short, the irrigation district would likely address funding through assessments (with council input). The motion to authorize the letter of support passed in a unanimous roll-call vote.

Staff said a draft of the letter is available and that they will send it to council members. Council praised Deputy Public Works staff for advocacy in Sacramento that helped clear the GSA submittal.

The council’s endorsement positions Wasco as a partner in regional efforts to increase recharge capacity and pursue available infrastructure funding; the letter is not a grant application itself and does not authorize any city funding.