Rep. Scott Peters joined with Mayor Steve Vaus and Principal Civil Engineer Shadi Sami to announce $1 million in federal funding toward a temporary bypass system that is the first project in a capital improvement program (CIP) to update Poway’s water infrastructure. Once constructed, the temporary bypass system will allow the city to take the aging clearwell reservoir offline and replace it.
Peters explained that the first time in over 10 years, the House Appropriations Committee accepted Community Project Funding requests to allow Members of Congress to target federal funds towards projects and programs in their congressional districts. Seven projects from California’s 52nd district, totaling more than $5.8 million, made it into the federal funding package.
Vaus thanked Peters for recognizing how important this is for the City of Poway.
“Not only will this offset project costs, it sends a signal that it’s not just us who see this project as critical,” Vaus said. “I’m proud of the team we have in place to lead this effort and the council we have in place to support it. Working together we’re going to create a safe and reliable water system for generations to come.”
This is the largest CIP in the city’s 40-year history. The CIP also includes constructing a San Diego County Water Authority treated water connection.