Program funding means more small communities will see drought relief

While the water may not be flowing, the money to make it so, certainly is. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced yesterday they have committed $26 million in funding to 11 communities through the Small Community Drought Relief program.

This fifth round of funding will support projects in the counties of Fresno, Merced, Lake, Yuba, Marin, Siskiyou, Tuolumne, Mariposa, San Luis Obispo and Kings.

“California’s water cycle can be unpredictable, and it has become even more so with climate change. It is imperative that we adapt and be proactive in our response,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “As this year draws to a close, we are already planning for the potential of a third dry year. This includes providing support to small and rural communities to address water supply challenges and build local resilience should drought conditions continue.”

The following projects will receive funding from DWR:

• In San Luis Obispo County, Baron Canyon Mutual Water Company will receive $1,986,000 to equip two wells, construct a new storage tank and provide a backup power supply.
• In Kings County, the Kettleman City Community Services District is awarded $2,105,000 for to rehabilitate an existing well and to construct a new well to support the community.
• Also, in Kings County, the Stratford Public Utilities District will receive $5,710,000 to construct a new well, water storage tank, and replace aging pipelines.
• In Siskiyou County, the City of Dorris will receive $3,762,436 to deepen an existing well and replace leaky pipelines.
• In Yuba County, Camptonville Community Services District will receive $717,065 to construct a new well.
• In Merced County, the Planada Community Services District was awarded $2,264,625 to replace 1.5 miles of pipelines and the inoperable valves.

The Small Community Drought Relief program currently accepts applications from small communities experiencing hardship due to drought. Funding will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis and interested communities are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

For more information about available drought relief funding, please visit DWR’s Drought Funding webpage.