Metropolitan issues statement on award of state funding for water efficiency programs
Benzinga Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom's announcement to provide $38 million for Southern California water efficiency projects:
"The state funding awarded today is a testament to California's commitment to ensuring a resilient water future for all. I am thankful for the state's support and proactive approach toward addressing the ongoing challenges facing our water supplies as the climate changes. This critical investment will provide Southern California communities with opportunities to build on their progress in conservation.
"Specifically, these funds will help further Metropolitan's commitment to changing the region's landscape by increasing the amount of our turf replacement rebate for public agencies and the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors converting up to 30 million square-feet of non-functional turf into water-efficient landscaping. The grant also will allow us to help expand conservation in traditionally underserved communities by funding direct-install programs for high-efficiency fixtures in income-eligible households and purchasing water-recirculating units that conserve water while enabling local fire departments to train for the increasing threat of wildfires.
