Grand Jury Reveals ACID Board Members’ Response to Investigation

SHASTA COUNTY, California — The Shasta County Grand Jury has released its final report for the 2023-2024 session. Part of this report includes the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District board’s response to findings made about the aging spring irrigation system.

After an extensive investigation by the Shasta County Grand Jury, the group determined that ACID’s board lacked a long-term plan and the necessary funding to modernize and improve the system. Also, finding that alternative locations could be used to divert the water, which would not require the intensive work that the current dam system needs. The jury recommended that the district apply for grants to obtain the funding needed to permanently remove and replace the dam. In addition to working with experts and local governments to obtain the necessary funds to create a long-term master plan for the site.

In the board’s response, which was filed in July and revealed in the final report, board members say much of what is recommended is already in place by the group. Sharing that they have been working on long-term plans with these experts and local governments since the end of 2023. Revealing that they hope to have this plan ready by the end of this year.

As for the dam, they say removing it is not yet on the table. However, they were recently awarded $200,000 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for a feasibility study on relocating where the ACID channel diverts from the Sacramento River and are moving forward to do so.

Board members strongly agreed with the grand jury that they don’t have the necessary funding, but say a plan will be made to better monetize the system in the next 12 months.

The full report and response can be read below: