DAVIS, Calif., Oct. 11, 2024 - Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Maria Gallegos Herrera announced USDA is investing nearly $2 million in projects that will help foster and protect clean water supplies for rural Californians.
“Access to clean and reliable water systems is essential for the health and well-being of all communities, and in rural California, USDA regularly invests in these systems to protect the health of our residents and advance rural prosperity,” said Gallegos Herrera. “I’ve seen the need firsthand as I’ve witnessed Californians work hard to recover after disaster, and I am so pleased to be able to support this recovery, and work with our partner Self-Help Enterprises to advance clean water in more rural areas.”
The City of Weed, in Siskiyou County, is receiving a $1,090,000 grant to help its recovery efforts from the 2022 Mill Fire. The city will complete its storm water infrastructure improvements, which are essential infrastructure to protect drinking water and property.
San Andreas Sanitary District is receiving a $299,000 grant to make improvements to its headworks, irrigation pump station, and chlorine contact basin. These improvements will ensure they can provide safe wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to San Andreas in Calaveras County.
Self-Help Enterprises, headquartered in Visalia will use a $471,000 grant to support rural water systems by providing training and experience opportunities for water operators. Self-Help Enterprises will also develop education programs to improve community knowledge on drinking water systems, health, climate resiliency, and economic opportunities. The communities to be served include Allensworth, Alpaugh, Kettleman City, Pixley, Richgrove, and Teviston.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.