EBMUD signs agreement to fund pipeline between Alameda and Oakland

ALAMEDA — Officials gathered Friday to commemorate the signing of a project agreement that provides $3.2 million in federal funding for a water pipeline between the cities of Oakland and Alameda.

The East Bayshore Recycled Water Project will reuse a 16-inch recycled water pipeline to provide 460,000 gallons daily for irrigation and industrial services.

At a ceremony held at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park in Alameda, speakers from the East Bay Municipal Business District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the cities of Alameda and Oakland emphasized the importance of expanding recycled water programs.

“This project presents an exciting opportunity to provide local and federal governments with creative solutions to support sustainable water supplies in California,” said EBMUD Board Chair Lesa McIntosh. “As climate change disrupts historic weather patterns, we must use every drop of our natural water cycle. Recycled water allows us to use this natural resource three times. First time. the second time as natural rainfall, the second time as drinking water, and the third time as rainwater.”We recycled water for our landscapes and industries. ”

Maj. Chantel Glass, deputy commander of the Army Corps of Engineers San Francisco District, spearheaded the effort in Washington, D.C., to secure federal funding allocated through the Army Corps of Engineers’ Environmental Infrastructure Assistance Program, led by U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland). ) was awarded.

Although Lee was not present at the signing ceremony, he said in a statement that he was proud to secure funding to help strengthen the East Bayshore Recycled Water Project.

“In the face of aging infrastructure and worsening access to water due to the climate crisis, federal investments and projects of this nature will expand access to recycled water and create good-paying jobs in local communities. and will help ensure a more sustainable future,” said Lee.

Last year, EBMUD completed the Auckland Inner Harbor Pipeline Crossing Project. The project installed 3,000 feet of seismic pipeline beneath the open estuary floor in an area susceptible to liquefaction during seismic activity.

The city of Alameda, an island outside of Oakland, relies on piped water, and the Oakland Inner Harbor Pipeline Crossing, completed in April 2023, now provides drinking water to city residents through its modernized pipeline. We provide water. The East Bayshore project, which just secured federal funding, will replace the 1940s-era estuary pipeline that Alameda once relied on for drinking water and instead use it to transport recycled water.

“Recycled water flowing through this recycled pipeline will reduce pollution in San Francisco Bay, increase drought and climate resiliency, and reduce irrigation and industrial water use,” said Alameda Mayor Marilyn Agee Ashcraft. “This will help reduce the number of accidents and improve emergency preparedness.” .

In addition to water reliability and emergency preparedness, EBMUD says the project’s benefits include the creation of 80 construction jobs if fully funded. He estimated the total cost of the project to be $10.5 million, of which just over $4 million has been secured. This is on top of his recent $3.2 million payment from the federal government, plus about $1 million of his EBMUD’s own income earmarked for the design and planning phase.

EBMUD spokeswoman Nelsy Rodriguez said the agency will seek additional federal funding to make up the difference and, since this is a regional project, hopes to secure support from regional partners.

Oakland Deputy Mayor Kimberly Mayfield and EBMUD Director Doug Linney also spoke at Friday’s signing event before McIntosh and Glass signed the project agreement.

“This is an exciting moment for Alameda residents and businesses,” Linney said. “With this new access to recycled water, Alameda is in addition to receiving a new drinking water pipeline last year to ensure reliable service in the future, and by reducing water consumption, reducing climate change.” It’s a great day to live on this island by the bay.”