The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to seek out federal money to fix storm water infrastructure.
The goal is to better protect beaches, creeks and rivers from pollutants, reported The Times of San Diego. According to officials, more than $2 billion is available to protect bodies of water. This money is from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The funding would be used to improve storm water infrastructure and management in unincorporated areas, reported The Times of San Diego.
According to officials, the county invests approximately $50 million per year for storm water runoff mitigation and requires an additional $50 million to make needed repairs, reported The Times of San Diego.
According to Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, the San Diego region is dealing with toxins, bacteria and aging water infrastructure.
Funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF) will be increased through 2026, according to Lawson-Remer’s office, reported The Times of San Diego.
CWSRF funding is used for: pollution control; tracking emerging contaminants; negative-interest loans; and loan forgiveness.
In a statement, Lawson-Remer said the county is committed to continuing to keep up with storm water requirements, improving infrastructure, and treating water runoff, reported The Times of San Diego.
Lucero Sanchez, policy coordinator with San Diego Coastkeeper, said the storm water projects will also improve security, water quality and create more jobs. The Times of San Diego also reported that Supervisor Nora Vargas added that the county will also work with regional partners to reduce pollution in the Tijuana River Valley as well.
