The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $120 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to modernize wastewater infrastructure in western San Bernardino County, Calif.
The funds will help the Inland Empire Utilities Agency to implement its Regional Wastewater System Improvements Program. The program aims to provide high-quality recycled water and access to reliable, long-term wastewater treatment.
“I want to congratulate the Inland Empire Utilities Agency for developing a water reuse program to meet current and future needs while utilizing EPA’s low-interest and flexible WIFIA loan to reduce costs,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Investing in water infrastructure is a win-win for public health, the environment, and job creation, and we look forward to bringing these benefits to communities across through country through WIFIA and investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”
The Regional Wastewater System Improvements Program will upgrade four wastewater treatment facilities to help to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the drought-prone service area by ensuring reliable access to wastewater treatment and reducing reliance on imported water supplies. Additionally, these improvements will ensure Inland Empire Utilities Agency continues to maintain compliance with statewide standards for recycled water production.
“The Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s project will improve critical water infrastructure, help fight drought, and reduce climate change impacts in San Bernardino County,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Through WIFIA, EPA is delivering on its commitment to modernize the nation’s water infrastructure to improve public health and environmental protection while supporting local economies.”
Construction will include a new solids treatment facility, offsite pump stations and force mains, increased stream capacity, and replacement of the existing conveyance pipelines, headworks, odor control systems, and aeration blowers. These improvements are necessary to treat water flows that are already at higher capacity and higher strength because of population growth and water conservation efforts.
“Given the State’s dire water supply conditions, the time is now to take necessary action and continue to grow and implement investments in water-saving infrastructure. The partnership between IEUA and EPA is critical to providing long-term resource solutions for the region now and into the future,” said IEUA Board President Steve Elie. “The IEUA Regional Wastewater System Improvements Program will expand capacity to help leverage additional water supplies and infrastructure to ensure continued reliable wastewater services and support continued growth in western San Bernardino County. IEUA and the EPA have had a long-standing partnership and we look forward to our continued collaboration while being a part of the solution for California’s water needs.”
Inland Empire Utilities Agency will save approximately $27 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Project construction and operation are expected to create an estimated 780 jobs, and construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
