The Friant Water Authority (FWA) announced the appointment of Julie Gantenbein, a respected water law expert and longtime advocate for effective water management in California, to serve as its General Counsel. Gantenbein has spent nearly 15 years as a shareholder at the Water and Power Law Group, where she built a strong reputation for her expertise in water rights, regulatory compliance, and statewide water policy.
The decision was made at the December 12, 2025 meeting of the FWA Board of Directors and the appointment is effective immediately.
“We are pleased to welcome Julie to the Friant Water Authority,” said Rick Borges, Chairman. “Her experience, approach to problem solving, and proven track record, will be a tremendous asset to the FWA Board of Directors.”
Gantenbein’s legal career includes extensive experience in non-federal hydropower licensing and compliance proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), natural gas certificate and compliance matters before FERC, and regulatory proceedings for federal water control facilities before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
She has also represented public agencies and conservation groups in cases involving hydropower, water rights, and the protection and enhancement of environmental and recreational benefits of public waters. In addition, she is a certified mediator with appellate experience.
Gantenbein earned her J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law (2002) and her B.A. in International Studies (magna cum laude, 1998) from California State University Monterey Bay.
Her expertise will help strengthen the Authority’s efforts to support the Friant Division’s water users, advance critical projects, and promote sustainable water management throughout the region.