Press Release

$8.89 million awarded to East Turlock Groundwater Sustainability Agency announces Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil

As California grapples with its latest drought-flood cycle challenges, the importance of local and regional strategies to effectively manage and store floodwaters has become increasingly evident. In response to this pressing need, the California Department of Conservation's Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program has allocated $8.89 million to the East Turlock Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ETGSA). Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil proudly announced this much-needed funding today, emphasizing its significance in ensuring stable water supplies.

The $35 million Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program aims to support regions across California in adapting land use practices to improve the sustainability of groundwater basins. The allocation of $8.89 million to the ETGSA showcases the agency's outstanding commitment to addressing the pressing water challenges faced by Merced and Stanislaus counties within the Turlock Subbasin.

With this substantial funding, the ETGSA will expand upon its previous and ongoing efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive land repurposing plan. The primary objective of this plan is to enhance the simulation methods for groundwater recharge and repurposing strategies, thereby enabling more effective water management. Additionally, the proposal will focus on identifying opportunities for various initiatives, including restoring marshy depressions in orchards, floodplain reconnection, recharge enhancement, innovative cropping practices, and exploring solar power projects on agricultural land.

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil expressed her enthusiasm about the grant and its potential impact on water sustainability in the region, stating, "This substantial funding represents a significant step towards our goal of securing reliable and sustainable water supplies for the communities in Senate District 4. The East Turlock Groundwater Sustainability Agency has consistently demonstrated its dedication to addressing water challenges, and I am confident that this investment will propel their efforts to new heights."

To learn more about Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil please visit: https://sd04.senate.ca.gov/.

Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.

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