Northern California cities are beginning to put additional restrictions on water use for residents as the state readies itself for another season of drought.
The latest to announce such restrictions is the City of Redding, which is moving into Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which requires a 10% to 20% reduction in water use. Customers are now under mandatory conservation policy that dictates what days of the week certain addresses are allowed to irrigate under penalty of a $50 fine.
White House Releases 'Rural Playbook' for Infrastructure Investments
Officials from the President Joe Biden administration are on a tour of rural communities throughout the United States this month promoting infrastructure improvements, as the White House recently released its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook to help governments in rural areas unlock the benefits from the recent federal infrastructure investments.
The officials will highlight billions of dollars in funding for water quality, forest fire readiness, rural broadband access and transportation.
The Rural Playbook, found at build.gov/rural, builds on the release of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook and provides rural communities with information on how to apply for funding under the law — so no community needs to hire a lobbyist to access their government. The playbook also identifies over 100 programs funded under the law with federal cost share flexibilities and matching requirement waivers.
Bureau of Reclamation to Invest $420 Million in Rural Water Construction
In related news, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced recently that the Bureau of Reclamation will invest $420 million for rural water construction activities in fiscal year 2022, as authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This investment in rural water systems includes work related to pipeline connections, construction of water treatment plants and intakes, pump systems, reservoir construction and other efforts to provide potable water to rural and Tribal communities.
There are several rural water projects under construction and one new authorized project that are eligible for the funding across six states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“Rural water projects get to the heart of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by building resiliency and supporting local economies. Providing this project-specific funding underscores the administration’s commitment to help rural and Tribal communities access safe drinking water and the water treatment infrastructure they deserve,” says Secretary Deb Haaland. “With a $4.6 billion investment over five years for aging water infrastructure and rural water projects, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures that rural and Tribal communities receive adequate assistance and support.”
