Rocklin, Calif. – The infrastructure funding experts at ECO:LOGIC Engineering secured a critical funding package from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 for the City of Live Oak in California. The stimulus funding agreement, which includes a $10 million grantthe maximum amount possibleand a $6 million low-interest loan, will offset the cost to build a new wastewater treatment facility for Live Oak.
A new wastewater treatment plant is necessary to keep Live Oak in compliance with its wastewater discharge permit. Permits are issued by the California Water Resources Control Board and are subject to renewal every five years to protect California’s drinking water supplies. New regulations often result in stricter operating permits that require California communities to improve their wastewater treatment facilities. The cost to protect drinking water can create a financial burden for small communities like Live Oak.
‘The financial study completed by ECO:LOGIC was critical to securing the grant and low-interest loan for Live Oak,’ said Mike Harrison, project engineer for ECO:LOGIC. ‘It would have been a real burden on Live Oak’s residents and businesses to have to build the plant without this financial assistance.’
The new plant, which is designed by ECO:LOGIC, will use less energy than similarly sized plants, protect public health and the environment, and include capacity to meet the city’s general plan for growth. Construction is scheduled to be complete in December 2011.
In addition to saving money, the city is pleased that new jobs and business opportunities will come to the area. ‘The construction of this plant has a significant, positive impact on our local economy,’ said Jim Goodwin, Live Oak city manager. ‘We will have over two years of construction going on creating a daily boost for our restaurants and other service businesses. After that, there will be long-term employment opportunities for skilled workers to operate the plant.’
In the last 2 years, ECO:LOGIC has secured $28 million in grants and $71 million in low-interest loans for small disadvantaged communities in California including Live Oak, which is the fourth biggest stimulus project in the Sacramento region. Other awards include $10.5 million for the San Andreas Sanitary District’s new wastewater treatment plant and a $2 million grant plus a $32.98 million low-interest loan for the Merced wastewater treatment plant.
About ECO:LOGIC Engineering
ECO:LOGIC is a consulting engineering firm based in Rocklin, California. ECO:LOGIC is known for its creative approach in solving the West’s water and wastewater problems. Over 130 professionals provide consulting services in planning, permitting, design, construction management and operations of water and wastewater facilities for cities, districts and water agencies throughout the western United States.
About the Clean Water State Revolving Fund
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF or SRF) program is a grant and low interest loan funding program to implement water quality projects. It was established by the Clean Water Act (amended 1987) and is funded by Federal grants, State funds, revenue bonds and now American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funds. The primary purpose of the CWSRF program is to implement the Clean Water Act and various State laws by providing financial assistance for wastewater treatment facilities necessary to prevent water pollution and thereby protect and promote health, safety, and welfare of the inhabitants of the State.
