The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is offering a new, short-term land fallowing program in certain Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) in critically overdrafted basins. The goal of the LandFlex Program is to provide immediate drought relief by reducing groundwater use in drought-stricken areas, which will help protect drinking water wells in vulnerable communities.
Under LandFlex, GSAs will work with farmers to identify land to reduce groundwater pumping impacts to nearby dry wells. The program will provide $25 million in block grants to eligible GSAs and farmers will receive financial incentives for each enrolled acre. The program is focused on small and mid-sized farms, with eligibility limited to farmers with a 3-year average Adjusted Gross Income of $2.5 million or less.
For those interested in applying for a LandFlex grant, DWR will host an Applicant Workshop on Thursday, January 19, 2023. To register for the workshop and learn more about the LandFlex program and how to apply, visit water.ca.gov/landflex.
DWR's draft LandFlex Program Guidelines are available here. The Public Comment period closes on December 29th. Comments may be submitted via email to sgwp@water.ca.gov.
For more information or questions, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Sidd Nag.