AVEK receives $89,954 Refund for Maintaining a Safe Workplace by AVEK May 27, 2020 Member Submitted News PALMDALE – A low number of worker’s compensation claims and minimizing liabilities earned the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency (AVEK) a retrospective insurance premium adjustment from the Association of California Water Agencies-Joint Powers Insurance Authority (ACWA-JPIA). AVEK’s General Manager, Dwayne Chisam, announced at the Agency’s April 14th Regular Board Meeting that an $89,954.55 check was received from the ACWA-JPIA Rate Stabilization Fund. To date, this is the largest refund of this type the Agency has received. “Receiving this type of refund for the last several years is a result of effective policies and the relentless commitment of our workforce to safety standards and training,” Chisam said. ACWA-JPIA is a partnership of water agencies working together to share the risks associated with purveying water and save its members money. It formed in 1979 to provide risk-sharing pools. The JPIA offers its members insurance coverage for Property, Liability, and Workers’ Compensation as well as employee benefits. To be accepted in to the JPIA, prospective members must demonstrate dedication to effective risk management programs. JPIA collects a deposit premium at the start of each policy period and can return money from excess funds and investments to members such as AVEK who achieve low loss ratios. ABOUT AVEK 3rd largest State Water Contractor in California – In 1959, AVEK received its charter as a regional water Agency from the State Legislature. In 1962 AVEK’s Board of Directors signed a contract with the state to secure the delivery of water supplies intended to supplement the local groundwater. AVEK became the 3rd largest State Water Contractor with an entitlement of 144,844 acre-feet. Through the optimization of water resources and development of groundwater storage, the Agency maintains a reliable, sustainable and affordable water supply. Serving over 20 municipal users along with Edwards Air Force Base, Plant 42 and U.S. Borax within a 2,400 square mile territory that includes portions Los Angeles, Kern and Ventura Counties, the agency plays a vital role in supporting future regional economic development and national defense programs.
