REP. CALVERT SECURES $10 MILLION FOR LOCAL WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) voted along with a majority (213 to 203) of the House of Representatives to pass the Fiscal Year 2024 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, which included a number of his funding requests for Riverside County water infrastructure projects and other priorities. Funding included in the bill for local projects is allocated within their respective agency program accounts and does not raise the overall spending level of the bill.

“The funding I have successfully secured for Inland Empire water infrastructure projects will increase local water supplies, reduce our dependence on imported sources of water, and improve reliability,” said Rep. Calvert. “We know the key to providing families and businesses with the water they need is to invest in projects that expand supplies or conserve the water we have. These investments will aid us as we work through cycles of droughts and periods of precipitation.”

The bill includes $4.7 million for the Lee Lake Wells Project, which was requested by the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District. The requested funding would be used to increase potable water supply.

“We thank Congressman Calvert for his continued support of EVMWD’s water supply initiatives,” said EVMWD President Andy Morris. “The project not only optimizes groundwater resources, it also incorporates state-of-the-art treatment technology for the removal of PFAS. These improvements will produce an increased supply of safe, local, high-quality water and reduce our dependence on less reliable imported water.”

The bill includes $3 million for the Recycled Water Booster Station and Reservoir Project, which was requested by the city of Norco. The requested funding would be used to create a new supply of recycled water.

“Water is a critical issue in California,” said Norco Mayor Robin Grundmeyer. “Norco has taken the steps to implement recycled water infrastructure to provide for the long-term sustainability of our local water system. This federal funding will help our city construct a reclaimed water pump system, storage reservoir and complete needed system improvements. Our ability to provide a source of recycled water to the Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona, as well as our community parks, is a significant investment in Norco. We appreciate Representative Calvert’s support of this project and his efforts to secure a critical federal investment for Horsetown USA.”

The bill includes $2.3 million for the Water Booster Plant Improvements Project, which was requested by the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). The requested funding would be used to install backup generators to maintain the supply of potable water in the event of a power outage.

“We appreciate the Congressman’s longstanding leadership to advance funding for critical water infrastructure projects, and to bring tax dollars back for beneficial local investments, said EMWD’s board president, Phil Paule.  “EMWD’s water booster plant improvements will increase water supply reliability for customers, especially in fire-prone areas.”

The following priorities were included in the FY24 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill at Rep. Calvert’s request:

• $69.93 million for Environmental Protection Agency Targeted Airshed grants.

• $105 million for Environmental Protection Agency Diesel Emission Reduction Act grants.

• $32.6 million for the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning (EEW) system at the United States Geological Survey.

• $270 million for U.S. Forest Service hazardous fuels work.

• $247 million for Department of the Interior Wildland Fire Management hazardous fuels work.

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