Rep. Calvert Secures Federal Funding for Local Water Infrastructure Projects
Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that, at his request, funding for 42nd Congressional District water infrastructure projects was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill. The bill was advanced today by the House Appropriations Committee and will now head to the House floor for consideration. 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 bill includes $2,500,000 for the Quail Valley Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project, which was requested by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). Quail Valley is an ethnically diverse and disadvantaged community in Riverside County that regularly has failing septic tanks that overflow during rain events. As a result, raw sewage impacts the immediate community as well as downstream environments, including Canyon Lake, a drinking water reservoir. To address the significant challenges presented by Quail Valley's failing septic tanks, Eastern Municipal Water District is working to convert homes to direct sewer connections. The requested funds are intended to construct the first phase of the septic to sewer conversion project for Subarea 4. The overall project has been identified as a priority for both the California Water Resources Control Board and the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
"The Quail Valley Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project is a significant priority for Riverside County," said Rep. Calvert. "The overflow events triggered by heavy rains pose a significant health risk and degradation of water quality throughout the watershed. Addressing this ongoing problem will provide benefits to residents in Quail Valley as well as communities downstream in Canyon Lake and Lake Elsinore. More work remains to complete additional septic conversions in the region, but the funding included in the FY22 bill is a positive step towards the completion of this beneficial project. I appreciate the efforts of everyone at EMWD on this vital project."
"EMWD is incredibly appreciative of the funds Congressman Calvert has helped secure in the House Appropriations legislation to support our septic to sewer conversion project in Quail Valley," said EMWD Board President Phil Paule. "This funding will have a direct impact on our ability to advance a project that will protect public health in an economically disadvantaged community. We are grateful for the partnership we have with Congressman Calvert and look forward to future opportunities to work together to benefit the residents we mutually serve."
The bill also includes $780,000 for the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Improvements Project, which was requested by Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD). The Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant has been offline for approximately 18 months because elevated levels of 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.
"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 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (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."
"EVMWD customers depend on us to maintain and protect critical local water supplies like the Canyon Lake reservoir from burdensome regulations. Future upgrades to the Canyon Lake Water Treatment Plant will allow EVMWD to meet these new standards and continue using this key water supply," said Phil Williams, President of the EVMWD Board of Directors. "We deeply appreciate the tremendous leadership and support from Congressman Calvert for his successful request of $780,000 under the Congressional Community Project Funding program that will offset the $1 million cost of a pilot project to determine the appropriate plant upgrades."