Clearlake Oaks >> The U.S Department of Agriculture has granted the Clearlake Oaks County Water District with a $1 million grant and a $2.8 million low interest loan for the sewer system. The district is currently finishing up a $499,000 grant from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund for an inflow and infiltration study, which covers all lift stations and a hazard mitigation situation that has been facing the district for years. Also, they received verbal approval on a study grant for the wastewater treatment plant, in addition to an approval that was authorized from Department of Water Resources for a $400,000 study for the water distribution system.
Clearlake Oaks infrastructure was installed back in the 1960s and is now deteriorating, causing frequent water main breaks. Water outages and “boil water” notices have become the norm in the District.
These studies are a pre-requisite to the construction grants that are available to small districts like Clearlake Oaks. The district has hired a grant writer, Dianna Mann, whose main job is to apply for all available grants, track budget expenditures, and stay in compliance with all state and federal regulations. To date, the district has applied for $12.5 million in grants and low interest loans.
One requirement of the grant process is to prove the district can afford to maintain the system once it is repaired or built. The district performed a 218 and initiated a rate increase to fund the Capital Improvement Fund (CIP); this increase also ensures future stability in the District.
“Understandably, some people were upset with the rate increase. However, once they realize and see the forward direction the district is going in, most people understand, and are supportive,” said general manager Matt Bassett.
Additional changes have been happening in the district, including the launch of a new website that is more user-friendly than the previous version. Customers can now go to www.clocwd.org to pay their bill for no additional charge, view board minutes, and sign up for up-to-date alerts through text or email.
With the help of these grants, major concerns of the board are now being addressed.
