News Release Archive

Reclamation announces $1.5 million in ARRA funding for pumping stations for the Eastern Municipal Water District in California

Media Contact: Colleen Dwyer , (702) 293-8420, 09/08/2010 22:35

For Release: September 08, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency in the Department of the Interior, has awarded a $1.5 million contract to the Eastern Municipal Water District under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to construct pumping stations as part of a project that will provide more reliable pressure for its recycled water customers.

In January 2010, the project received $9.462 million in ARRA funding to build storage tanks, pipelines and a booster plant to help increase the use of recycled water within the District. Work on this portion of the project is expected to be complete in June 2011. The additional $1.5 million will be used to construct three pump stations to help distribute water through the recycled water pressurization and expansion project.

"These projects help the district improve its system reliability, and will also help increase use of recycled water in this area," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said. "Additionally, they help develop new local supplies for this 542-square-mile service area, reducing the need for imported water supplies from the Colorado River and California Delta."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted last year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior.

The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America's timeless treasures - our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage - while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

"With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department's economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on http://www.recovery.gov and on http://www.interior.gov/recovery. Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior's Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.