District 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren-Requested Water Resources Development Provisions Totaling $63 Million for CA-18 Advance in T&I Committee; Included are Seven Local Provisions to Improve & Expand Water Infrastructure, Examine & Prevent Flood Risk, & Study Water Ecosystems & Storage Capacity

 

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, June 26 the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) passed H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a biannual authorization of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Civil Works Program, which included 7 provisions requested by U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18).

 

“Proper water infrastructure – that prevents contamination and allows for clean drinking water – is a basic need in communities. As our country faces the effects of extreme heat, prolonged droughts and more severe storms, it is vital to make investments that improve resiliency and expand our water supply,” said Lofgren. “The provisions included for our often-overlooked Central Coast communities will either improve water resources outright or set the stage for future upgrades. The T&I Committee’s bipartisan vote today is an important first step, and I look forward to voting to advance this bill that is essential for California’s 18th Congressional District on the House Floor.”

 

CA-18 WRDA Projects – Topline

 

Local Provisions with Specified Funding Included

 

Note: WRDA authorizes specific projects, but Congress still must appropriate funding for the projects separately.

 

    Watsonville Wastewater Treatment and Downtown Pipes Projects – $28 million 

    Salinas Industrial Wastewater Treatment Project – $20 million

    San Juan Bautista Water Supply Project – $10 million

    Hollister Downtown Water Line Replacement Project – $5 million

 

Local Studies and Language Changes Included

 

    San Benito’s Soap Lake Storage Improvements Feasibility Study

    Salinas River Flood Risk Management Study

    San Francisco Bay Area Comprehensive Sea Level Rise Study

 

CA-18 WRDA Provisions – Detailed

 

Provisions Authorizing Specific Local Projects

 

Note: WRDA authorizes specific projects, but Congress still must appropriate funding for the projects separately.

 

    Watsonville Wastewater Treatment Plant and Downtown Pipes Projects – $28 million  

The City of Watsonville will use federal funding to install new equipment at the wastewater treatment facility for solids treatment and beneficial biogas reuse. The equipment will enhance treatment for the City and its three partner sanitation districts (Pajaro, Salsipuedes, and Freedom) and allow the facility to continue being a net exporter of electricity. Additionally, the City of Watsonville's water and wastewater pipe infrastructure in the downtown area is 75+ years old and has been a significant impediment preventing the development of new affordable housing. The City will use federal funding to help expand and improve the pipe infrastructure to increase the system's capacity.

 

    Salinas Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements – $20 million 

The City of Salinas will use the federal funding to make improvements to the Salinas Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility and Conveyance System. This includes the installation of a new lift station, new electrical systems and backup power, new pond distribution systems to facilitate reuse, and making improvements to the aeration lagoon. The system provides cost-effective, efficient wastewater treatment for the indispensable agricultural industry in and around Salinas.