$7.6 million grant for Kings Subbasin projects on its way

The Kings Subbasin is awaiting final approval on a $7.6 million CA Department of Water Resources (DWR) Prop 68 SGMA Implementation Grant as it continues construction on basins funded through an initial $4.8 million Prop 68 grant award. DWR staff has indicated approval, and management at the agency will work through a final contract anticipated by May.

The grant funds are available thanks to Prop 68 Sustainable Groundwater Management Implementation Grants administered by DWR. The $7.6 million will fund four groundwater sustainability projects located in the Consolidated, James, Laguna, and Fresno irrigation districts. All irrigation districts are located within the Kings Subbasin, with Fresno Irrigation District being a member agency of the North Kings GSA. All four projects were agreed upon by the Kings Subbasin coordination group comprised of representatives from all seven Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.

The initial $4.6 million grant was awarded as part of DWR’s initial round to fund two projects located within the North Kings GSA, Fresno Irrigation District’s Savory Pond project (nearing completion) and City of Kerman’s Lyons Park Basin modifications. Two additional projects located in the Kings River East and South Kings GSAs received a portion of the initial funding.