Fresno, Calif. \u2014 Mayor Lee Brand and Public Utilities Director Michael Carbajal gathered with local, and state leaders to mark completion of the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility and the major pipeline projects of the city\u2019s Recharge Fresno program, which collectively make up the city\u2019s largest-ever infrastructure program and enable greater water sustainability through increased use of surface water and reduced groundwater pumping.<\/p>\n
Welcoming local leaders and representatives of state and federal agencies, Mayor Brand said, \u201cI am proud of our city for successfully delivering our largest-ever infrastructure program on-time and on-budget. With the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility and major pipeline projects now up and running, our community has a secure, drought-proof water supply.\u201d<\/p>\n
The treatment facility is the cornerstone project of the Recharge Fresno, the city\u2019s program to improve the pipelines and water system facilities that will capture, treat and deliver water to Fresno homes and businesses, including surface water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The facility currently produces 54 million gallons per day of drinking water for delivery to Fresno homes and businesses, and ultimately will produce 80 million gallons per day, meeting approximately half of the city\u2019s future water demands.<\/p>\n
The major projects in the Recharge Fresno Program were collectively under construction for approximately two and a half years and involved more than 180 consulting firms, engineering companies and contractors.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou often hear of watershed moments,\u201d said Carbajal. \u201cQuite literally, for Fresno, today marks a milestone for our watershed. But a watershed moment is also defined as a turning point, or historic moment. I\u2019m not sure that this moment could be anything but that, given the benefits this program will bring for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carbajal also recognized the California State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their efforts to secure $340 million in low-interest State Revolving Fund loans to help fund the program, saving ratepayers approximately $250 million in financing cost.<\/p>\n
“Investing in water infrastructure with our state and local partners is a priority for the EPA,\u201d said Kristin Gullatt, Deputy Water Division Director for EPA\u2019s Pacific Southwest Region. \u201cFederal and state funding for this project will help the City of Fresno alleviate groundwater depletion while diversifying municipal water supplies and providing high quality, safe drinking water for the community.\u201d<\/p>\n