Share
Failing water systems throughout the southern San Joaquin Valley will get a $15 million boost thanks to the efforts of state Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Sanger Democrat.
“Access to clean drinking water is one of the main reasons why I chose to run for office,” Hurtado said in a news release Monday. “One million-plus people don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water, and this issue disproportionately affects my community. … ”

“It truly was an all-encompassing effort recognizing that an economy that leaves an entire region behind isn’t a sustainable economy, and it starts with our most basic human needs – access to clean drinking water.” — State Sen. Melissa Hurtado
Stratford Among Several Communities With Water Woes
Hurtado cited the plight of residents in the Kings County farming community of Stratford as an example of the Valley’s failing water systems.
In August 2018, both of Stratford’s wells failed, leaving families and children without potable water. Until the wells were fixed, the Stratford Public Utility District handed out free bottled water. But residents still lacked water for bathing and flushing toilets. And schools had to bring in portable restrooms for students.
Hurtado Cites Leadership by Newsom, Atkins
“We could not have accomplished this alone,” Hurtado said. “The leadership from Gov. Gavin Newsom to Senate Leader Toni Atkins have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to uplift underrepresented communities.
“Moreover, local community leaders and activists dedicated countless hours to elevating the issues to a state and federal level. It truly was an all-encompassing effort recognizing that an economy that leaves an entire region behind isn’t a sustainable economy, and it starts with our most basic human needs – access to clean drinking water.”
Projects That Will Be Funded
Here is how the funding is allocated:
- $2.5 million for temporary water tanks for households in communities like Porterville and Stratford that have dry wells.
- $3 million for the city of Sanger to repair a water tank and a well.
- $1 million to connect Tombstone to Sanger’s centralized water system.
- $2.5 million for a new water and tertiary treatment plant for Tulare County.
- $1 million to repair water systems in Fresno and Tulare counties to improve water access in communities like Orosi and Del Rey.
- $1.5 million for a storm drain, groundwater recharge, and a multi-use canal trail in Selma.
- $1 million to replace a well in Dinuba.
- $2.5 million to bring communities into compliance with safe drinking water standards and remove arsenic from water in communities like Alpaugh and Arvin.
The proposals are included in this year’s budget bill, AB 74, which is on the governor’s desk.
Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing
14 hours ago
Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99
20 hours ago
Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says
20 hours ago
Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US
21 hours ago
Musk Announces Forming of ‘America Party’ in Further Break From Trump
21 hours ago
Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 59, Including 21 Children
21 hours ago
California’s Politics Drifts Right While New York’s Leans Left
21 hours ago
How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Will Make China Great Again
2 days ago
What’s Caitlin Clark Worth to the WNBA? A Lot More Than Her $78,066 Salary.
2 days ago
TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports
14 hours ago
Categories

TikTok Building New Version of App Ahead of Expected US Sale, the Information Reports

Hamas Government Office Rejects US Accusation of Involvement in Gaza Aid Site Attack

Death Toll From Texas Floods Reaches 78, Trump Plans Visit

Trump Calls Musk’s Formation of New Party “Ridiculous” and Confusing

Fresno DUI Driver Slams Into CHP Motorcycle, Tow Truck on Highway 99

Russia Downs 120 Ukrainian Drones Overnight, Defense Ministry Says

Israel Sends Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Talks Ahead of Netanyahu Trip to US
