Community Infrastructure Fund

RESOURCES

The San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority (SJRECWA) is proud to open the second annual cycle of our Community Infrastructure Fund. After investing more than $500,000 in five local projects during the inaugural 2024-25 round, we are once again again dedicating up to 2 percent of our Net Transfer Revenue—approximately $580,000 this year—to help Central Valley communities strengthen water resilience, expand renewable-energy and public-health infrastructure, and enhance recreational access.

Community-based organizations, non-profits and local government agencies are invited to apply with projects that align with these priorities. We invite proposals from community organizations, non-profits, and local government bodies that have projects poised to make a significant impact in the following areas:

  • Water resource development, management and conservation
  • Renewable energy and electric power infrastructure
  • Recreational facility development in conjunction with water works and facilities
  • Sewage treatment infrastructure
  • Works and facilities to protect the land and property from flooding or overflow

Priority will be given to projects within the service areas of our four Member Entities: Central California Irrigation District, San Luis Canal Company, Firebaugh Canal Water District, and Columbia Canal Company. including but not limited to the Cities of Mendota, Firebaugh, Dos Palos, Los Banos, Gustine and Newman. However, proposals benefiting the broader community beyond these boundaries but directly impacting our service regions will also be considered.

Applications must be submitted by August 20th, with final funding decisions expected in September following a thorough evaluation by SJRECWA’s Community Infrastructure Committee and Board of Directors.

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2024 Grants

The initial cohort of grant recipients were approved by the Board of Directors of the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority on September 13. This year, five organizations were awarded more than $500,000 in total grants under the program:

  • The City of Firebaugh’s San Joaquin River Pedestrian and Bike Trail Rehabilitation project will receive $180,000 for the rehabilitation of approximately 7,000 linear feet of existing pedestrian and bike trail adjacent to the Poso Canal and the San Joaquin River. The project will help facilitate recreational opportunities within SJRECWA service territory.
  • The City of Newman’s Community Conservation Area will receive $150,000 for the installation of three public features at the Newman Nature Park: an educational plaza, a demonstration pollinator garden, and a nature-themed fitness course.
  • The City of Los Banos’ HG Fawcett Canalside Trail will receive $125,000 to help with the installation of solar lighting along the HG Fawcett Canalside Trail adjacent to Central California Irrigation District (CCID) Main Canal.
  • The City of Gustine’s Schmidt Park Pond Aeration Project will receive $30,000 to help aerate Schmidt Park Pond.
  • The City of Gustine’s Recharge Basin Development project will receive $95,000 for its conversion of Borrelli Basin detention pond into a Groundwater Recharge Facility. The project will boost groundwater sustainability, flood mitigation, drought preparation and water quality.
RESOURCES