CVWD board Jan. 10 approved $7.5 million to fund increased conservation rebate applications and encourage participation in conservation programs.
That brings the total investment for fiscal year 2022-2023 to $13.35 million. That could add 4 million acre square feet of converted turf to the 1.5 million square feet customers have converted to desert-friendly landscaping since July 2022.
Annual water savings are estimated at 55.8 gallons per square foot of turf removed.
Drought penalties fund conservation programs.
CVWD’s federal affairs and advocacy team reviewed federal funding successes in 2022 and listed priorities for 2023-2024.
Among successes: $12.2 million for the WRP 10 project, $6.2 million for Eastern Valley infrastructure and more than $67.5 million for canal lining and laterals.
Among priorities: Colorado River conservation, exempting water conservation rebates from federal income tax and support for the Sites Reservoir, Delta Conveyance Project and restoration and management of the Salton Sea. Other priorities include state compliance periods for regulations.
The Directors also:
- Learned Director Peter Nelson, longtime chairman of the Colorado River Board of California, will not run for that office this year.
- Recognized retirement of Purchasing Technician I Tina Merrill, 25 years.
- Awarded a contract not to exceed $258,000 annually with B-81 Paving for on-call roadway and hardscape repair services.
- Awarded a contract of $545,000 to Chaffee Construction to replace two hydropneumatic tanks in Rancho Mirage and Bombay Beach.
- Approved a nonpotable water agreement with Southwest Community Church. Southwest will be connected to the nonpotable water distribution system from WRP 10 that is being installed on Hovley Lane East.