Funding for the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements Project Secured by Rep. Calvert
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) highlighted the inclusion of $780,000 for the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements Project in the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill. Rep. Calvert voted along with a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives to approve the bill on Wednesday, March 9th. The bill was subsequently approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President.
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) requested the funding for the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements Project. The Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant has been offline for approximately 18 months because elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals were detected in the runoff. This project would upgrade the treatment plant so it can treat water to levels below the California regulatory limit and resume operations.
"Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) deeply appreciates Congressman Calvert's partnership and his on-going commitment to public health and safety. With the Congressman's leadership, this partnership secured $780,000 for the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plan pilot project, allowing advanced treatment testing of a critical local water source," said Darcy M. Burke, President, EVMWD Board of Directors. "Congressman Calvert's leadership will offset direct costs as we determine appropriate treatment plant upgrades. This pilot study ultimately determines this project's success."
"California once again finds itself in the midst of significant drought, which underscores the importance of taking steps that enhance our local water supply like improving the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant," said Rep. Calvert. "The funding provided will upgrade the facility to treat for contaminants like PFAS. The improved water quality and additional water supply provided by this project will put EVMWD in a better position to serve its customers and address the challenges associated with the forecasted growth in demand. I appreciate EVMWD's work to make this project a reality and for pursuing solutions to accommodate our water needs."
Under the U.S. Constitution, all federal funding must be appropriated by Congress. As part of the annual appropriations process, members of Congress are provided the opportunity to submit Community Project Funding (CPF) requests to the Appropriations Committee for consideration. Rep. Calvert's CPF requests were submitted on behalf of local governments and non-profit organizations in the 42nd District. To satisfy required transparency and other safeguards, Rep. Calvert previously posted detailed CPF project descriptions online and certified that he had no financial interest in the projects. The funding included in the appropriation bills for CPF projects does not increase the overall size of their respective federal programs. The process merely allocates where approved federal funding is spent and reasserts Congress' constitutional role of appropriating funds.