Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $62 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to the City of Morro Bay, California to replace the City’s 63-year old wastewater treatment plant with a new treatment and water recycling facility…

These improvements will reduce discharges into the ocean as well as increase water supply and flood resilience. Morro Bay (population 10,600) is the first small community nationwide to receive a WIFIA loan.

“Communities like Morro Bay experience real, on-the-ground benefits when they are able to improve critical infrastructure for clean water and flood protection,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator John Busterud. “EPA is committed to continuing our support through low-interest, flexible financing that improves quality of life and protects the environment.” 

“In Congress, I was proud to help advocate for this Morro Bay water federal funding and I am thrilled that our community is receiving this EPA loan to improve our wastewater infrastructure,” said U.S. Representative Carbajal. “The importance of a sustainable water source in Morro Bay cannot be overstated—with these funds, we will be able to modernize our wastewater treatment, better prepare for the impacts of flooding, become more resilient and improve the lives of Central Coast residents.”

(Read the full release by visiting the EPA’s site HERE)