MCWRA Welcomes new Executive Members Yuba County Water Agency and Yuba County
WELCOME NEW MCWRA MEMBERS
Left to rght: Curt Aikens, General Manager, Charlie Mathews, Director, Gary Bradford, Director, Mike Leahy, Director, Brent Hastey, Chairman, Doug Lofton, Director, Randy Fletcher, Vice Chairman, Andy Vasquez, Director
The Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) is a stand-alone public agency governed by a board of 7 elected officials to serve the people of Yuba County. Established by a special act of the California State Legislature in 1959, the Agency’s primary mission is flood protection, water supply, fisheries protection and enhancement, hydroelectric generation, and recreation.
Today, YCWA owns and operates facilities with a capacity of storing approximately one million acre-feet of water and generating nearly 400 megawatts of hydropower.
Each year, YCWA releases more than 300,000 acre-feet of water to eight irrigation districts that convey the water to local farmers and ranchers in Yuba County.
As a leader in water transfers, efficient water management and fisheries restoration, the Agency is involved in many collaborative efforts with local, state and federal agencies, and conservation groups. In 2009, YCWA received the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA) for the Lower Yuba River Accord. Presented to the Agency by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the GEELA is California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honor.
One of California’s original 27 counties founded on February 18th in 1850, Yuba County is California’s gateway to the historic Mother Lode Country, with a diverse landscape that boasts grand rivers, thriving farmland, friendly communities and numerous recreational possibilities that extend into the Sierra foothills. Our communities have that small town feel so many people are seeking. With a population just over 70,000 people, residents enjoy relaxed living and affordable housing, while both ocean beaches and mountain skiing are only a couple of hours away. And, amazingly, the county’s border is just 30 minutes north of the State Capitol in Sacramento.
At the heart of our county is historic Marysville, bordered by the Yuba and Feather Rivers. To the south and east of Marysville, you will find a variety of communities—including our newest community Plumas Lake
