The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) marked the receipt of $100 million in grant funding for underserved communities in the Eastern Valley by hosting an event on April 5. The funds, sourced from county, state, and federal agencies, aim to provide residents with clean, affordable water and reliable sewer services.
In a press release issued by CVWD, it was highlighted that the event signified nearly a decade's worth of effort by the district's Disadvantaged Communities Infrastructure Task Force to secure funding. This will aid thousands of Eastern Coachella Valley residents.
Cástulo Estrada, CVWD Board Vice President and charter member of the Disadvantaged Communities Infrastructure Task Force, said that these projects "will change the region for generations to come."
Estrada further stated that these services would pave the way for secondary benefits such as housing developments and increased economic activity. According to the release, Estrada was among a roster of guest speakers at the celebration which included CVWD Board President John Powell Jr., State Water Resources Control Board E. Joaquin Esquivel, and U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA).
Palm Springs ABC affiliate KESQ News reported longstanding issues concerning clean water and reliable sewage in East Valley. It noted that residents in many mobile home parks were most affected.
KESQ further reported that these residents were exposed to unsafe drinking water with arsenic levels exceeding safety thresholds.
CVWD revealed that key projects funded by this grant included two initiatives connecting nearly 200 homes and Westside Elementary School in Thermal to CVWD’s domestic water system. Another project consolidated and connected unincorporated areas of Riverside County.
Future projects listed include Avenue 66 Transmission Main/St. Anthony Mobile Home Park Consolidation and Valley View Domestic Water Mobile Home Park Consolidation as per the release.