EPA Administrator Announces Nearly $ 200 Million In Loans To Fix Aging Water Pipes And Treatment Plants In Bay Area – Silicon Valley

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REDWOOD CITY – Three massive federal government loans totaling nearly $ 200 million were announced Tuesday to help repair aging clay pipes in East Bay and to fund a new water treatment facility in Redwood City, a sum that Environmental Protection Agency administrators Michael Regan said could increase if Congress passes the much-debated trillion-dollar infrastructure bill.

At an event hosted by Silicon Valley Clean Water on Tuesday at the agency’s new wastewater treatment plant currently under construction in Redwood Shores, Regan announced two Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans totaling $ 143 million to SVCW and $ 25 million for Oro Loma health district support projects. is expected to create more than 2,500 jobs.

“Investing in water infrastructure has repeatedly proven to offer a multitude of benefits, including building climate and drought resistant water supply systems, protecting public health and creating ‘well-paying jobs,’ Regan said. “Today’s announcements embody the promise of the bipartisan infrastructure agreement, which will expand the reach of these powerful benefits for communities across the country.”

While touring California, Regan stopped in Redwood City before joining Governor Gavin Newsom at Big Basin State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains on Tuesday, where the two will discuss how the EPA and California can work together to fight the climate crisis and collaborate on wildfire recovery. efforts. The massive CZU forest fire ravaged the state park last year, destroying much of the park’s trails and buildings.

Regan has made it clear that the federal government will support future economic vitality by improving water infrastructure while protecting the environment by announcing the three loans. EPA’s two loans to Silicon Valley Clean Water will help fund sanitation rehabilitation projects, including $ 69 million for sewer upgrades and $ 74 million for the new treatment plant. Together, the projects will allow the plant to produce 100% of its electricity on its own, saving the agency around $ 133 million.

“We are extremely grateful and proud of the partnership between SVCW and EPA, a collaboration that has allowed SVCW to lead the industry with innovative and sustainable capital improvement projects,” said Teresa Herrera, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Clean Water. “We look forward to continuing our alliance in advancing our shared commitment to protecting public health and our environment for generations to come.”

In the Oro Loma health district in East Bay, aging earthen pipes installed over 100 years ago are leaking and increasing the likelihood of massive failures. That’s why Oro Loma board chair Rita Duncan estimates that the $ 25 million federal loan will be a lifeline for the district, which primarily provides water to unincorporated communities in Alameda County Society.

“Oro Loma is pleased to partner with WIFIA to fund these much-needed sewer upgrades,” Duncan said. “Through our partnership, we will renew our community’s infrastructure, provide jobs for local artisans, and help protect the health of the San Francisco Bay Area.”

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