UWCD Awarded $25 Million for Water Resource Management Projects by United Water Conservation District Oct 22, 2024 Member Submitted News Thanks to an innovative Grant Task Force, United Water Conservation District (UWCD) secured $25 million in grant funding to support the design and construction of vital water infrastructure projects. The four-member District team focuses on applying for and qualifying for appropriate and proactive funding for the region. UWCD’s Grant Task Force assembles technical project staff, finance technical staff, and project managers who complement each other’s strengths to manage grant applications efficiently. The team includes Human Resources Specialist Destiny Rubio, Environmental Scientist Tessa Lenz, Accountant Jeanessa Lopez and Engineering Assistant Sonja Flores. The group was founded in September 2023 and has applied for six grants, totaling $98 million, since its formation. “The team understands how important funding is to our regional water sustainability planning and goals,” Human Resources Specialist and Grant Task Force member Destiny Rubio said. “Obtaining grant funding will lead to the construction of our water sustainability capital improvement projects which support the entire local basin and will have rippling positive effects throughout the entire community.” The Grant Task Force supports high-impact water resource management projects in Ventura County. For example, the team applied for $54 million in February 2024 under the FEMA Flood Mitigation Grant Program to advance the Santa Felicia Dam Safety Improvement Project. The Grant Task Force is optimistic about being selected for these funds. The grant application process is a team effort. UWCD employees throughout the District send grant opportunities to the Grant Task Force, who vet the prospects and pursue them upon approval. The team actively researches funding programs and tracks grant announcements. They build relationships with state and federal agencies to discuss UWCD’s groundbreaking water supply efforts and learn more about available programs that align with the District’s mission objectives. When necessary, the Grant Task Force reaches out to industry consultants for technical expertise to enhance the quality of grant applications. This unique approach ensures grant opportunities are reviewed promptly by a specialized team that understands specific grant requirements and bolsters high-quality proposals. The Grant Task Force aligns grant application efforts with the District’s overall goals, priorities, projects and long-term objectives. “At UWCD, we are dedicated to thinking outside the box and forming unique partnerships to ensure the local water system is sustainable for years to come. Our Grant Task Force is another great example of our enterprising spirit,” Board President Sheldon Berger said. “We are grateful to them for their tireless efforts to bring funds to Ventura County that improve safety, water quality and resiliency.” Learn more at www.unitedwater.org. ### About United Water Conservation District Since 1927, United Water Conservation District (District) has served as a leader among water agencies by managing, protecting, enhancing and securing the water resources of the Santa Clara River and Oxnard Coastal Plain. The District works to protect the environment’s natural attributes and conserves runoff from all major tributaries of the Santa Clara River, including Piru, Hopper, Sespe, and Santa Paula Creeks. Committed to managing the area’s water supplies through groundwater replenishment and the construction and operation of efficient water supply and delivery systems, the District serves as the conservator of groundwater resources that are utilized by the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura, Santa Paula, and Fillmore, as well as Naval Base Ventura County and several mutual water districts, farms, and individual pumpers. The District also provides surface water for agricultural irrigation and treated drinking water to the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. www.unitedwater.org
