02.16.2016 Drinking Water Funding for California Public Schools.
Starting January 1, 2016, the State Department of Education will be able to receive funds from state and federal sources to support safe drinking water for school districts facing water quality issues. Access to this funding was made possible by AB-496: Pupil Nutrition Funding for Drinking Water Act, authored by Assembly Speaker-Elect Anthony Rendon.
Although the authority to receive this funding is new for the State Department of Education, publicly owned schools already have the ability to access funds directly from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the State Water Board. Eligible public schools who own their public water system can receive up to $500,000 in principal forgiveness loans/grants for planning and up to $5 million for construction projects.
This year so far, the State Water Board executed 12 DWSRF financing agreements that totaled more than $77 million. Three of those agreements went to school districts and totaled over $3.3. million. Details below:
- School District: Winship-Robbins Elementary School District
- Amount Funded: $250,250 | Project Type: Planning | Issue: Arsenic
- School District: Pope Valley Union Elementary School District
- Amount Funded: $68,550 | Project Type: Planning | Issue: Disinfection by-product problem
- School District: Central Unified School District
- Amount Funded: $3,000,000 | Project Type: Construction (Consolidation) | Issue: Nitrate/Uranium
California Food Policy Advocates will continue to share resources and support policy that promotes water access and quality for all Californians. For more information about CFPA’s work on water visit our Water Page. Questions? Contact Hector Gutierrez at 213.482.8200 ext. 202
