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McMullin Project & Expansion

Election Funding McMullin Flood Capture Expansion Project Successfully Passes; Board Awards Construction Contract

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, 2026. 

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 staff worked with project engineers to reevaluate the project plans with a second round of bids coming within budget.

The MAGSA Board awarded the contract for almost $23 million to W.M. Lyles Co. at the September 2nd Board meeting. 

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After Three Years of Drought, 2023 Annual Report Reveals Record Recharge Numbers

2023 was a record water year for the Kings Subbasin! Annual Report data reflects the positive impact of the wet year on the basin’s groundwater levels after three consecutive years of drought, while also indicating there is more work to be done in pursuit of long-term sustainability.

With more surface water available, groundwater use decreased by 54% compared to the average use in the previous three water years. Groundwater storage increased by 1.28 million acre-feet, partially thanks to the recharge projects throughout the Kings Subbasin.

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Congressman Duarte Visits McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Project

Earlier this month, Congressman John Duarte toured the Terranova Ranch, Inc. McMullin On-Farm Flood Capture Project with MAGSA’s Managers, Matt Hurley and Cristel Tufenkjian, and Board Chair, Don Cameron. 

In his recent newsletter, Congressman Duarte states: “[This project] successfully diverted the Kings River floodwaters, reducing the risk of flooding for the communities of Firebaugh and Mendota. Additionally, this effort put 19,000 acre-feet of water back into the groundwater basin. With communities in my District at risk of flooding, these solutions are important to protecting the health and safety of our residents.”

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