IEUA Receives $196 Million Loan from US EPA
On May 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced it is awarding the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) a $196 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation (WIFIA) loan to assist with the agency’s expansion of its wastewater treatment capacity. The loan will help finance the Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 5 (RP-5) Expansion Project, which will increase treatment capacity and construct a new solids handling facility to continue to protect public health and environment in the growing community. WIFIA is a federal loan program managed by USEPA to support and accelerate water infrastructure projects by providing low-cost, long-term loans.
Representative Pete Aguilar (D-CA) stated that the funding “will help the Inland Empire manage our water resources wisely in order to be better prepared for dry years.” “The RP-5 Expansion Project will expand the treatment capacity of the existing facility to support the continued growth in western San Bernardino County, and will meet all regulatory requirements, utilize energy efficient equipment, and continue to provide recycled water to the service area,” said IEUA Board President Kati Parker. Read more about the loan and infrastructure project from IEUA here.
EBMUD Names New General Manager
Congratulations to Clifford C. Chan who was selected by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors as the District’s next general manager, succeeding Alexander R. Coate who served in the role for nearly ten years. Chan, a 23-year employee of EBMUD, served most recently as the water utility’s Director of Operations and Maintenance. Congratulations Clifford! Read more in EBMUD’s Press Release.
A Very BIG Reminder that Wipes Clog Pipes
Drivers headed south on 680 in the East Bay near Martinez, CA, were greeted with a very big reminder during the month of May that Wipes Clog Pipes! The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San), in partnership with a neighboring agency designed and installed a 36-foot-wide billboard urging proper disposal of wipes. Talk about a BIG hit in spreading outreach!