About Grassland Basin Authority

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The Grassland Basin Authority (GBA) is a public agency formed in 2019 under California law to manage drainage and other related activities in the Grassland Basin Drainage Area, which is situated in western Merced and Fresno counties. The GBA currently has seven member agencies: Camp 13 Drainage District, Charleston Drainage District, Firebaugh Canal Water District, Pacheco Water District, Panoche Drainage District, Panoche Water District, and San Luis Water District.

The GBA operates and maintains the San Joaquin River Water Quality Improvement Project (SJRIP). The SJRIP utilizes sub-surface drainage and stormwater to irrigate approximately 7,000 acres of land. The primary crop grown on the RIP is Jose Tall Wheat Grass, in addition there is 276 acres of pistachios that the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources at Davis is doing long term saline irrigation strategies research within.

Historical information Grassland Basin Authority

Drainage reuse began as an experimental drainage management program in 1998 by diverting subsurface drain water on to pasture fields as a source of irrigation water. Over the next few years, trials, experiments, and research helped identify the salt tolerant crops that would best consume the saline drain water. Funding assistance from California Proposition 13 allowed for the purchase of 4,000…

What is a Special District?

Special districts are created and funded by a community’s residents to provide new or enhanced local services and infrastructure. Local residents own special districts and govern them through locally elected or appointed board members. California Special Districts are passionate about providing high-quality services and resources in the most efficient and effective manner.

Resources for Good District Governance

The California Special District Association (CSDA) is the voice for special districts, providing districts with the resources necessary to best serve their communities. CSDA offers education and training, legal advice, legislative advocacy, capital improvement funding, and current information that is crucial to special district management and operational effectiveness.

Special District Transparency and Accountability

The Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote and recognize excellence in the governance and management of special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs. Their vision is that every special district in California has well trained, knowledgeable decision-makers and engages the public through a…

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