New program encourages repurposing of flood-prone irrigated lands
The Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency is partnering with regional agencies to develop and implement a Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program. The program supports the transition of flood-prone irrigated land to new areas that will help reestablish sustainable groundwater supplies.
SVBGSA is implementing the program in partnership with the Greater Monterey County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Group and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation. In service of that, the IRWM Group was awarded a $10 million grant by the California Department of Conservation to strategically and voluntarily acquire the least viable, most flood-prone portions of agricultural lands in the lower Salinas Valley.
What does this mean for landowners? The program works with those landowners who want to voluntarily retire portions of their irrigated land and receive fair compensation for it.
Learn more about the program and how to apply.