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Dr. Ruiz & USDA Rural Development Announce $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for CVWD

June 30, 2022

 Grant award to improve clean water infrastructure in the Eastern Coachella Valley 

Coachella, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-36) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced a $1.5 million grant for Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) to make much-needed updates to water infrastructure in the Eastern Coachella Valley. The $1.5 million award is part of a $13 million nationwide investment in expanding access to rural water infrastructure and creating equitable economic opportunities for people who live and work in colonias, rural and Tribal communities.

"Safe, clean drinking water is essential for our public health and the well-being of our children," said Dr. Ruiz. "In the East Valley, our pipelines that carry clean water into families' homes are long overdue for an upgrade. By modernizing our outdated water pipelines, this $1.5 million federal grant will make a positive difference in my constituents' lives and ensure they have an adequate supply of clean drinking water. Water is life, and I will continue working hand-in-hand with USDA and CVWD to deliver for our communities and bring our local infrastructure into the 21st Century."

"Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA believes that people everywhere, regardless of where they live, should have peace of mind using basic community infrastructure, whether that means drinking safe water or having equipment to learn skills for a new career," said Torres Small. "Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Members of Congress like Congressman Ruiz, USDA can help invest in this peace of mind and build opportunity and prosperity for the people who call rural America home."

BACKGROUND

The $1.5 million grant comes from two programs under the USDA that are specifically designed to help people and communities in rural areas. These programs are Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias and Appalachian Regional Commission Grants.

From the programs, CVWD is receiving a $1.5 million Water and Waste Disposal Colonias grant to replace the main water pipeline and three booster stations. This investment will help the district provide adequate water service to customers by increasing the amount of water pumped through the pipeline distribution system.

Overall, the $13 million in federal funding will benefit more than 19,000 people in six states. The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

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