Policy For Allocation of Carryover Credits And Penalties During Annual Farm Unit Reorganization

Madera County, through its Groundwater Sustainability Agency, has established a policy to manage the allocation of groundwater carryover credits and penalties during annual farm unit reorganization, in alignment with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. This policy enables flexibility for agricultural operators by allowing unused groundwater extraction allocations to be carried over from one year to the next and voluntarily transferred between commonly operated or managed lands, reflecting real-world farming practices as outlined in Resolution 2020-166. The framework is designed to promote sustainable groundwater use while accommodating the dynamic nature of farm operations within the Madera, Chowchilla, and Delta-Mendota Subbasins. The policy implementation is supported by a CEQA exemption, citing provisions that confirm no significant environmental impact, and it operates under the authority granted by California Water Code §10726.4(a)(4), which permits agencies to establish accounting rules for carryover and transfer of allocations. The initiative is administered by Madera County’s Office of Planning and Research, with Jacob Aragon, Planner III, serving as the primary contact for coordination and inquiries. While the documentation functions as a forecast and regulatory exemption notice rather than a traditional federal contract, it outlines the administrative procedures for tracking and applying carryover credits, requiring annual reviews to ensure compliance with sustainability goals. No federal acquisition regulations apply, as there is no solicitation number, contract pricing, clause structure, or awarded vendor; instead, the focus is on internal agency policy adoption and environmental compliance. There are no specified delivery schedules, invoicing systems, payment details, or performance metrics beyond the implementation of the policy itself. The place of performance is limited to unincorporated areas of Madera County, California, and the sole requirement for compliance is adherence to the adopted policy and the associated CEQA exemptions, with no contractor obligations, subcontracting requirements, or socioeconomic certifications involved.