LandFlex

DWR launched the LandFlex Grant Program in late 2022. California was in its third year of a severe drought, and the program provided immediate relief to drought-impacted communities by eliminating unsustainable agricultural groundwater pumping in critically over drafted basins. By temporarily fallowing fields for one year and permanently eliminating overdraft groundwater pumping on LandFlex lands, the program was able to leave more groundwater available for drinking water wells in or near California’s most vulnerable communities.

LandFlexprovided $25 million in grants to Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) to incentivize growers to reduce agricultural water use near vulnerable drinking water wells. GSAs prioritized high-impact land and provided payments per enrolled acre. To be inclusive of small and mid-sized farms, eligibility was capped at a $2.5 million average adjusted gross income, with individual awards also limited to $2.5 million. DWR partnered with agricultural and community organizations (Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Self-Help Enterprises, Western United Dairies Foundation, and the Almond Alliance) to support grower outreach and engagement and help identify drought-impacted areas.

LandFlexwas authorized by the Legislature pursuant to the Budget Act of 2021 (Stats. 2022, ch. 44, § 25) and its Trailer Bill, (Wat. Code, § 13198 et seq.).

Solicitation and Funding

The LandFlex program held two phases of enrollment for eligible GSAs – Phase 1 in January 2023 and Phase 2 in June 2023. Currently, there are no additional phases of the LandFlex program planned at this time.

Phase 1 GSAs - Final Award:

• County of Madera GSA - ~$680,000
• Greater Kaweah GSA - $2.9 M
• Eastern Tule GSA - $2.2M

Phase 2 GSAs - Final Award:

• Lower-Tule Irrigation District GSA – $8.9M
• Pixley Irrigation District GSA – $3.2M
• Westlands Water District GSA - $5.4M