State Supports Projects to Strengthen Drinking Water Systems and Climate Resilience in Nearly 400 California Communities
SACRAMENTO, Sept. 09, 2024 – In a continued effort to bolster California’s water infrastructure and climate resilience, the State Water Resources Control Board distributed approximately $880 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year to nearly 400 projects benefiting around 12 million Californians. These funds are being used to improve drinking water systems, expand water supplies, and enhance climate resilience across the state.
The 395 projects funded during the past fiscal year are focused on capturing and recycling water, recharging and protecting groundwater, improving stormwater management, expanding access to safe drinking water, and improving sanitation. Many of these efforts target disadvantaged communities that face unique challenges related to water quality and availability.
Since 2019, the state’s efforts, including the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resiliency (SAFER) program, have provided nearly 900,000 additional Californians with access to clean drinking water. SAFER is largely funded through California’s cap-and-trade program.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the progress being made through these investments. “California is taking action to build a climate-resilient water system that meets the needs of our communities for the long haul. These projects breaking ground across the state will help hundreds of communities expand access to safe drinking water, improve stormwater management, and secure water supplies now and into the future,” Newsom said.
The projects align with the Newsom Administration’s comprehensive strategy to improve water resilience through water storage, recycling, desalination, and conservation. The initiative also focuses on upgrading critical infrastructure throughout the state.
A significant portion of the funds – nearly $570 million, or two-thirds of the total financial assistance – was provided as grants for drinking water and wastewater projects in disadvantaged communities, groundwater recharge, remediation, and stormwater management. In addition, $62.8 million was allocated to new projects designed to recycle, capture, and store water, which will add over 8,300 acre-feet per year to the state’s supplies.
The financial assistance distributed over the past three years has totaled more than $5.2 billion, including support from the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The state is expected to receive $2.8 billion in federal funding by 2026, underscoring the historic level of support for California’s water infrastructure and climate resilience efforts.
(By: LAPost)
