The WIFIA loan is part of a $37 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades.
WD News: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $170 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County, California, to support its Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake Modification and Wetlands Project, which will help provide sustainable access to drinking water and protect local coastal wetlands.
“Our WIFIA loan to Poseidon Resources in San Diego County will be used for both upgrading the drinking water desalination plant to help address water shortages, stretch precious water supplies, and protect critical marine habitats in the San Diego Bay,” said Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator for Water at EPA.
The Carlsbad Desalination Plant provides approximately 10% of the San Diego County region’s water supply. The plant was opened in 2015 as a public-private partnership with Poseidon Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority and currently requires significant upgrades to add a new intake facility to comply with the State of California’s oceanwater intake regulations and ensure the plant’s continued operation.
The $170 million WIFIA loan will also support the restoration of approximately 125 acres of coastal wetlands on the San Diego Bay.
“We are excited about the partnership with EPA for modernisation of intake system at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and creation of 125 acres of coastal wetlands,” said Sachin Chawla, President of Poseidon Resources.
Source: EPA
Image courtesy: Carlsbad Desalination Plant
