TUD Receives $45.6 Million for Sierra Pines Region Water Treatment Facility by Tuolumne Utilities District Nov 13, 2024 Member Submitted News Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is excited to announce the receipt of a $45.6 million grant/loan award from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Financial Assistance. This significant funding will facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art 3 million gallons per day (mgd) regional water treatment facility at Sierra Pines in Twain Harte. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility (WTF) Consolidation Project presents an exceptional opportunity for TUD to consolidate up to six of its aging surface water treatment plants. This groundbreaking initiative will replace the Cedar Ridge, Crystal Falls, Lakewood, Phoenix Lake Park, Ponderosa Hills, and Scenic View Water Treatment Plants and each’s associated facilities and will utilize proven, advanced technology to ensure enhanced reliability and superior water quality for TUD customers. Additionally, the new WTF aims to streamline operations and enhance water treatment capabilities in the district’s service area by integrating various other TUD water facilities in the future. TUD and its predecessors have consolidated several water systems in Tuolumne County over the years. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility aims to integrate many of these smaller, often outdated water treatment plants into a regional, modernized facility. This centralization will result in direct and indirect cost savings for both the district and its customers over time. Centralized facilities are inherently more efficient, leading to reduced operating expenses and improved maintenance capabilities. The Sierra Pines Regional WTF will incorporate advanced technologies and standardized procedures, ensuring superior treatment methods, consistent quality control, and significant environmental advantages which include a reduced environmental footprint and optimized use of resources. “The approval of the $45.6 million funding is a monumental step forward for Tuolumne Utilities District,” stated Jeff Kerns, Board President. “This project not only exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality water services but also reflects our strategic vision of consolidating and modernizing our water treatment infrastructure.” The newly designed facility has an initial treatment capacity of 3 mgd and is built to accommodate future growth, allowing for expansion up to 5 mgd. This flexibility will support the eventual consolidation of additional water treatment plants, including the Monte Grande Water Treatment Plant and Tuolumne Water Treatment Plant. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility will be constructed on 46 acres at the former Sierra Pines golf course site, which includes the creation of a 25-acre-foot raw water reservoir. This reservoir will provide additional water storage during ditch outages, periods of drought and emergencies. The SWRCB funding award which includes $27.4 million grant, $10 million zero interest loan, and $8.1 million low-interest loan, is the culmination of many years of sustained effort and is consistent with the TUD Board’s adopted budgets, capital improvement plans, and Strategic Plan. The funding agreement is one of the largest grant awards issued by the State through the California Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and represents the State’s strong commitment to water system consolidation, affordability, and reliability. Don Perkins, TUD General Manager, expressed his gratitude for the funding package, stating, “This funding represents a significant achievement in what has so far been a 16-year-long endeavor, positioning the district to fully implement its long-term water system consolidation vision. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility will be a cornerstone of our water infrastructure, and we are excited to begin this transformative project. Much work remains ahead, but we extend our deepest thanks to all who have contributed to reaching this milestone and to those who will help make this pivotal project a reality.” “Consolidation of multiple systems is a proven strategy to instill resiliency in California’s drinking water systems,” said Joe Karkoski, SWRCB Deputy Director, and head of the Division of Financial Assistance. “TUD’s customers have benefited for decades from having their disparate water systems under a unified management and governance structure. With the Sierra Pines plant, TUD continues its laudable efforts to physically tie together these systems, significantly improving their ability to address current and future water supply challenges.” The district extends its heartfelt appreciation to the diverse group of stakeholders who have generously supported the Sierra Pines Regional WTF project and extends special thanks to the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Congressman Tom McClintock, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, former acting Forest Supervisor Elizabeth Martinez, former California State Senator Andreas Borgeas, and former California State Assemblyman Frank Bigelow. Construction of the Sierra Pines Regional WTF is expected to commence to commence as early as 2026 and is slated for completion by 2029. Further updates and progress reports will be provided to the public as the project advances.
