Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority Approves Resolution to Dissolve JPA by Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority Jan 8, 2025 Member Submitted News Los Vaqueros Reservoir JPA Chair Anthea Hansen released this statement following their January 8 board meeting. Today, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) approved the resolution to officially dissolve the JPA and directed staff to proceed with all actions to support this decision. Without question, this is a significant and somber day for the JPA and the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project). As we move forward with the dissolution process, it is important to document the contributions and lessons learned from this effort. The Phase 2 Expansion Project brought together diverse partners representing urban, agricultural, and environmental entities to work together to maximize broad public benefits and regional resilience. While the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was specific to this reservoir expansion, the collaboration sparked important discussions and has helped to foster among the JPA members the possibility of new opportunities for continued regional partnerships and integration. Under the JPA umbrella, relationships have been created and, in other cases, strengthened. We shouldn’t lose sight of the importance of the need for agencies representing diverse interests to work together as a model for the future. History has taught us that timing is a critical component in bringing water projects to the finish line. The California State Water Project design and funding took many twists and turns before it was ultimately completed. Because large, complex water infrastructure projects often take decades to complete, ensuring a collaborative, durable path forward is essential. It is also an extremely challenging endeavor. I have been so honored to lead an amazing team of professionals. From our Executive Director and the project management team to our legal counsel, we have been fortunate to assemble veteran water experts to facilitate the needs of the JPA members and gain broad support and funding. Speaking for myself, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience to work alongside and to witness firsthand the dedication and commitment of time and expertise by the JPA members, their board members and staff, both past and present, as we worked to move this project forward. My hope is that this will not be the end of collaboration between the JPA members, but the beginning of an ongoing dialogue which leads to the successful completion of projects that secure regional water resilience for the future. Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority The Los Vaqueros Reservoir Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was formed in 2021 and provides governance and administration for the Phase 2 Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion Project (Project). The Los Vaqueros Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir owned and operated by the Contra Costa Water District. The Project was intended to increase Bay Area and Central Valley water supply reliability, develop water supplies for wildlife refuges, and improve water quality while protecting Delta fisheries and providing additional Delta ecosystem benefits. When completed, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir capacity was to be increased from 160,000 acre-feet to 275,000 acre-feet with new and modified conveyance facilities added to provide environmental, water supply reliability, operational flexibility, water quality, and recreational benefits. ###
