Election Funding McMullin Flood Capture Expansion Project Successfully Passes; Second Round of Bids Comes Within Budget

The election to fund construction of the McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project successfully passed, with more than 80% of ballots received voting in favor of the $32.85 per-acre assessment. The ballots were counted following the close of the public hearing on June 3. 

To move toward construction, the McMullin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MAGSA) put the project out to bid. The first round of bids came in over the project budget. The MAGSA Board worked with project engineers to reevaluate the project plans and revise the bid package to encourage more competitive pricing.

The second bids came within budget. The MAGSA Board will consider awarding a contract to the lowest bids at the next scheduled Board meeting.

About the Project: The McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project is a large-scale on-farm recharge project designed to capture excess Kings River floodwaters during wet years and recharge the aquifer providing flood protection for downstream communities and increase groundwater recharge bringing additional water into the basin. The project helps protect the long-term reliability of groundwater supplies, maintain productive farmland, and support stable land values.

The project also allows MAGSA landowners to continue locally manage groundwater rather than risking State intervention, which would mean costly fees and stricter pumping restrictions without providing new water supplies.

Read more about the McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Expansion Project here.