The board heard a staff presentation and public comment on the Authority’s dust control / multi‑benefit land‑repurposing program (sometimes called the following program). Bianca of Stetson Engineers summarized the program history: Resolution 5‑20 (2020) established the transient pool and following options but, according to staff, no project offers or reliable funding rounds have materialized to date.

Bianca and others said the Department of Conservation’s Multi‑Benefit Land Repurposing Program requires a defined project and that the state had not announced new funding rounds in recent years. Michael McKinney and other board members said the Authority needs an identifiable project to pursue state or federal funds. Public commenters, including Judy Decker (Eastern Kern County RCD) and Joshua Nugent (Mohave Pistachios), urged the Authority to explore UC Extension, NRCS seed programs, Navy Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative funds, and private‑sector transitions such as solar where appropriate.

On staff recommendation the board voted to direct staff to contact transient‑pool members to determine interest in implementing dust‑control measures if funding were available and to pursue funding if interest is found. Staff noted the 2026 work plan will include dust‑control/land‑repurposing as an item for development and outreach.