The Sierra Valley Groundwater Management District took steps to secure funding during its April 20 meeting by approving two grant applications and agreeing to attend the local fair. The board also reluctantly approved payments for sprinkler systems.
District officials have faced a funding gap since March, when a key Department of Water Resources grant expired. The next phase of that grant, funded by Proposition 4, will not start until next year, according to DWR representative Debbie Spangler.
Laura Foglia, vice president of Larry Walker Associates, presented three grant options to the board. The district approved applying for two grants.
The first is a WaterSMART grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. This grant could finance improvements to recharge projects, address dry wells, support groundwater sustainability goals, and enhance irrigation efficiency.
The second grant is the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Foglia explained that this grant targets ranchers and farmers with irrigation efficiency projects. While the DWR grant focused on groundwater ranchers, this grant could help a broader range of valley farmers.
Chair Einen Grandi said there is a strong need for irrigation improvements among ranchers. The SWEEP grant covers four years and could bring in $2 to $4 million. About 80% would go directly to individuals, with the remainder covering administrative costs. Each farmer or rancher could request up to $200,000 for their project.
Foglia emphasized the grant would be open to all ranches in the valley, not just those involved in groundwater farming.
Board members expressed concern about their role in evaluating project viability. Director Dave Goicoechea said it was worth exploring once they have a clear plan to review. Grandi supported the opportunity but stressed the importance of ensuring the district could maintain any built infrastructure with future funding.
The board chose to delay applying for the third grant, the Stream Flow Enhancement grant from the Wildlife Conservation Board, which accepts applications until June 2027. This grant would support dry wells and recharge project improvements.
Grandi raised concerns about existing diversion projects and the restrictions that limit their effectiveness. He questioned whether the project’s cost would justify the expected benefits.
Betsy Elzufon, an associate with Larry Walker Associates, agreed that current restrictions hinder water diversion. She noted that ongoing legislation and feedback from other groundwater districts might ease these limitations over time.
Elzufon highlighted that the district could build on existing work with this grant if conditions improve.
Grandi concluded that
