Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA Inaugural Meeting

Concord (November 12, 2021) – The eight agencies making up the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) met for the first time on Wednesday, November 10, and selected a Chair and Vice-Chair for a one-year term. This important milestone initiates the key decision making about governance related to implementing the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project).

Los Vaqueros Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir that was built and expanded by Contra Costa Water District (CCWD), with a current capacity of 160,000 acre-feet. Now, agencies representing urban, agricultural and wildlife refuge interests are partnering to further expand the capacity to 275,000 acre-feet and add new conveyance facilities providing environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality and recreational benefits. Those partnering agencies are working together through the newly formed JPA.

The JPA was formed in October 2021 to establish the governance of the Project and provide the organizational framework for Project design, construction, operation, maintenance and funding. At the initial meeting, JPA members had initial discussions about policies and procedures, and selected a Chair, Angela Ramirez Holmes from Zone 7 Water Agency, and Vice-Chair, Anthea Hansen from Del Puerto Water District, representing San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

“This is an exciting and promising endeavor for all agencies involved as water supply reliability is foremost on our minds during the ongoing drought crisis,” said Chair Ramirez Holmes. “The members of the JPA will bring their diverse perspectives based on who they represent, and we will work collaboratively to come to mutually beneficial decisions.”

Included in the important decisions is management of the finances. The Project has already been approved for $470 million from the state and recently earned an additional $50 million in federal appropriations. The remainder of the project costs will be covered by additional federal appropriations and local partner contributions.

The JPA will usually meet on a monthly basis. More information about the JPA is available at www.losvaquerosjpa.com.