Stanislaus County supervisors have approved a $23.6 million contract for water system improvements at the Crows Landing business park, a project aimed at generating 14,000 jobs in the region. The contract was awarded to Mozingo Construction Inc. of Oakdale and includes upgrades to two well sites in the Crows Landing community as well as installation of a water main along Fink Road leading to the business park site.
The planned 1,528-acre development is located on a former Navy airfield near Interstate 5 and is designed for light industry, warehouses, and businesses that will support a public airport. The project, known as The Landing, will be developed over three phases spanning four decades.
To date, Stanislaus County has allocated $42.6 million toward the effort from sources including general fund reserves and American Rescue Plan Act funds. Of this amount, $14.8 million has already been spent on planning activities such as environmental studies and infrastructure design.
Mozingo’s bid came in significantly lower than another contractor’s proposal—about one-third of its competitor’s price. When construction management costs are included, the total cost rises to $28.5 million.
Supervisor Terry Withrow expressed concern about the long-term viability of the industrial park after years of planning without tangible returns: “If it’s a viable venture, the private sector will step up and get involved with it,” Withrow said. “I don’t understand why no one has stepped up in the private sector saying they want to get involved.” Despite his reservations, Withrow joined fellow supervisors in unanimously approving the contract but indicated this might be his last time supporting such measures.
The county anticipates annual operations and maintenance costs for these new water facilities will reach approximately $300,000.
Supervisor Channce Condit suggested that board members consider his idea for establishing a casino at the former airfield site to help support a hospital facility in future discussions.
While groundwater impacts were not discussed during this meeting, officials noted that current water improvements should meet needs for initial phases of development; additional supplies may be required later through agreements with other West Side agencies.
A year ago, county leaders addressed concerns over groundwater sustainability by considering pumping reduction plans within parts of Stanislaus and neighboring counties situated in an overdrafted basin area known as Delta-Mendota subbasin.
In April, Patterson city officials declared a water emergency which halted approval for new housing developments until developers provide funding for groundwater recharge facilities. Evette Davis from Keystone Corp., whose subdivision was affected by Patterson’s decision, questioned why similar restrictions did not apply to Crows Landing: “There is nothing to explain why the county can undertake this large well and pumping project while the city of Patterson…has declared a bogus groundwater emergency,” Davis stated via email. “If the county believes there is enough water for Crows Landing, there is enough for Patterson to proceed with Keystone Ranch.”
Withrow responded by saying he does not believe these initial improvements pose sustainability issues: “There is a need to make sure everything is sustainable out there,” he said. “The question will not be this part of the development but future development.”
Environmental mitigation measures require ongoing groundwater monitoring and coordination with local sustainability agencies throughout further stages of business park development.
