Rep. McKeon secures $500,000 for Barstow sewer improvement project

6.27.07

Funds for community project expected to pass the U.S. House tonight

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. House Representative Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (CA-25) today announced that federal dollars are set to be approved by the U.S. House tonight for the revival and advancement of the City of Barstow sewer system. The 2008 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes $500,000 specifically for the City of Barstow Sewer Master Plan Implementation, Phase II.

"The Mojave River Basin has been severely over-drafted throughout the years, and as a result, the quality of the drinking water has been severely declining," said McKeon. "While the directed funds for this community improvement project are modest by comparison, they will significantly improve the quality of life for the residents of Barstow."

City of Barstow Mayor Lawrence Dale, said he was thankful for Congressman McKeon's assistance in securing these funds, especially because of the firm timeline the city faces for water improvement.

"This money comes at a critical time." said Dale. "A Cease-and-Desist Order has been issued by the State Water Quality Control Board requiring us to have measures in place [to reduce contamination of the water table] by June or July of 2009."

Since the 1960s, the City of Barstow's Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) adjacent to the Mojave River has released secondary-treated runoff to seep back into back the water table. In order to comply with the State Water Quality Control Board, the City of Barstow is working to implement Phase II of its Sewer Master Plan. Phase II will expand and upgrade the city's WRF to Tertiary Treatment, allowing the reuse of up to two million of the three million gallons per day currently being treated, and alleviating both the serious overdraft of the Mojave River and contamination of the water table.

Dale went on to say that he "certainly appreciates Buck's efforts to secure funding for the City of Barstow Sewer Master Plan Implementation, and would like to thank him for all his efforts for the community."

House passage of the 2008 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act bill is expected Tuesday evening.

Submitted by Lindsey Mask, Press Secretary, Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (CA-25)
---------
Posted at http://www.inlandempire.us/news/2007/06/mckeon-secures-500000-for-barstow-sewer.html