Michael Saunders Appointed Chair of the Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Legislative Committee

MOUNTAIN COUNTIES, Calif. July 29, 2025 – The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) is pleased to announce that Michael Saunders, Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (GDPUD) Director, has been appointed as Chair of MCWRA’s Legislative Committee.  Saunders succeeds Joel Metzger, who recently accepted a leadership position with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).

“Michael brings a wealth of knowledge about the complex challenges facing water agencies in our region, as well as a strong collaborative spirit,” said Justin Caporusso, MCWRA Executive Director.  “His leadership is critical to ensuring the Sierra Nevada’s needs are best represented in statewide water policy.”

Saunders will lead MCWRA’s Legislative Committee in engaging with state policymakers on issues vital to the Sierra Nevada region, including water reliability, watershed health, wildfire resilience, and infrastructure investment.  His deep experience working with water providers across the foothills will support MCWRA’s mission to advocate for effective policy solutions.  

Effective July 13, 2025, Metzger joined the DWR as Deputy Director, Statewide Water Resources Planning and Enterprise Project Management—where he now leads efforts to update California’s Water Plan, oversee enterprise project delivery, and support the state’s responses to extreme drought, flood risk, and aging water infrastructure.  Metzger’s tenure as Chair was marked by leadership that helped strengthen MCWRA’s influence at the Capitol.  “We are grateful for Joel’s outstanding contributions,” said Caporusso.  “We wish him continued success as he takes on this important role at DWR.”

Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Mission is to promote the statewide importance of Sierra Nevada water resources through advocacy and collaboration.  Our vision is to be the premiere advocate to influence water policy and protection of the Sierra Nevada watershed.  This Mission is realized through strengthening Members’ regional leadership, collaboration, information sharing, issue awareness, education, advocacy, and potential legislative action or legal support.

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