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-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors took several key actions during its October 3 meeting, approving plans and authorizing submissions aimed at strengthening water infrastructure, improving hazard preparedness, and ensuring continued access to state and federal financial aid programs.
One of the major agenda items involved the submission of the Trifolium 11 Reservoir Feasibility Study to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Small Storage Program. The federal grant program, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supports non-federal water storage projects with operational capacities between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet. Eligible projects may receive federal funding of up to 25% of project costs, capped at $30 million per project. Approximately $43.5 million is still available under the current funding opportunity.
The board authorized staff to submit the feasibility study for review by Reclamation. Early submission is encouraged, and if the study is accepted, IID will return to the board before the April 17, 2026 application deadline to seek approval for formal funding requests. The feasibility study was prepared internally by IID Water Department staff, and there are no costs associated with the submission or review process.
The board also formally adopted the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), the district’s first standalone initiative to address natural hazard vulnerabilities specific to its service area, which includes Imperial County, parts of Riverside County, and portions of San Diego County. The plan finds risks to IID’s critical infrastructure—including water delivery systems, power generation and distribution networks, and operational facilities—from earthquakes, floods, wildfires, extreme weather events, and public health threats. The LHMP provides detailed mitigation strategies and serves as a framework to enhance emergency preparedness, operational resilience, and public safety. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has reviewed the plan and considered it eligible for final approval pending board adoption.
Additionally, the board approved an updated Cal OES 130 resolution to reflect recent title changes among designated Authorized Agents, including IID’s board chair and vice chair. The resolution ensures compliance with California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) requirements, maintaining IID’s eligibility to apply for state and federal disaster funding, cost recovery, and grant opportunities.
No direct fiscal impact is associated with the submission of the feasibility study, adoption of the LHMP, or approval of the updated resolution. Staff emphasized that these actions are critical to sustaining the district’s water and power operations while enhancing preparedness against natural hazards and protecting the region’s residents and infrastructure.
Finally, the board upon the recommendation of General Manager Jamie Asbury, approved an employment agreement with Wayne Strumpfer to serve as General Counsel. Following the departure of Geoff Hoolbrook as General Counsel, the Board identified Strumpfer as the most qualified candidate, given his prior service in the same role and direct experience with the District.
The General Manager successfully negotiated an agreement with Strumpfer, effective October 20, 2025, which was placed on file with the District. Per Government Code section 54953(c)(3), the General Manager provided an oral report of the recommended compensation prior to the Board’s final action.