Accomplishments
A timeline of milestones in regional water management for the Madera Region, from initial planning through over $9.4 million in funding for regional water resource projects.
IRWM Planning Begins
The County of Madera initiated the development process for an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan to manage and safeguard water resources across the region.
IRWM Plan Completed (Prop 50)
A comprehensive IRWM Plan was finalized for the Madera Region under Proposition 50, encompassing both foothills and valley territories and establishing multiple new partnerships.
Formation Committee Established
The Madera County Water Advisory Commission established the Formation Committee to develop the Regional Water Management Group.
RWMG Officially Formed
The Regional Water Management Group for the Madera Region was officially established, creating a governance structure for coordinated water management.
Round 1 Implementation Grant
Full award funding granted: $9,413,947.00 for four priority water resource projects across the Madera Region.
Project #1 - Ash Slough Arundo and Sediment Removal
Arundo removal and sediment clearing along Ash Slough to restore waterway capacity and improve water quality.
Project #2 - Cottonwood Creek, Dry Creek & Berenda Creek
Arundo and sediment removal along Cottonwood Creek, Dry Creek, and Berenda Creek to improve flow and habitat conditions.
Project #3 - Root Creek Recharge Project
Groundwater recharge project along Root Creek to enhance water supply reliability for the region.
Project #4 - Fuel Reduction for Forest Health & Fire Safety
Fuel reduction in the Sierra National Forest for forest health and fire safety - the first Forest Management Project funded through IRWM, recognizing watershed health comprehensively.
Round 2 Planning Grant
Recommendation for full funding of $271,438.00 to update the IRWM Plan to Proposition 84 standards.
Formal Amendment 2 Approved
Approval granted for Formal Amendment 2, relocating Project #2 from specified creeks to Berenda Slough and extending Ash Slough.
IRWM Plan Update
Updated IRWM Plan completed to meet current standards and reflect evolving regional water management priorities.
Disadvantaged Community Outreach
Received Proposition 1 funding for DAC outreach: $300,400 for Valley communities and $186,000 for Foothills communities.
Proposition 1 Funds Awarded
Four projects funded through Proposition 1: Indian Lakes project (Foothills) - $551,450.00, and Parkwood, Parksdale, and City of Madera communities - $1,689,635.00.