Modifying the Regulations for the Groundwater Allocation Program and Use of Groundwater within the Westside Subbasin (Regulations)

The Westlands Water District is amending its Rules and Regulations to update Section 1.21 of the Groundwater Allocation Program and Use of Groundwater within the Westside Subbasin, aligning regulatory procedures with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and input received during the August 2025 Board meeting. This regulatory modification enables future changes to groundwater management rules to be formally adopted through public meetings, ensuring adaptive governance and compliance with the approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan. The action is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act review under statutory and categorical exemptions, including Water Code §10728.6 and CEQA Guidelines §§15061(b)(3), 15307, 15308, and 15378, with a Notice of Exemption filed and accepted by the State Clearinghouse. The scope of performance spans western Fresno and Kings Counties, with administrative oversight centralized at the Westlands Water District office in Fresno. No contractor is involved; the district acts as both applicant and lead agency, with all regulatory filings processed through Fresno and Kings County Clerk/Recorder offices. The filing process requires submission of supporting documentation including a Notice of Exemption, CDFW No Effect Determination, and prior payment receipts, all submitted in paper format to designated county offices by September 23–24, 2025. Administrative fees are associated with environmental filings, such as $4,123.50 for an EIR or $50.00 for county documentary handling, but these are compliance costs—non-contractual and not tied to any procurement or service delivery. There is no defined period of performance, contract value, or procurement structure; no FAR clauses, contract types, evaluation factors, or inspection criteria apply, as the activity is a state-level regulatory amendment rather than a federal acquisition. Payment methods include cash, check, and credit, and submissions are not processed through federal systems like WAWF orIPP. No Unique Entity ID, CAGE code, or socioeconomic certifications are required or provided, as the entity is a public special district operating under state groundwater management authority. All administrative actions, including public notices and exemption certifications, are completed by district staff and county clerks, with the Chief Administrative Officer serving as the primary point of contact for regulatory inquiries.