San Diego uses federal loan to update storm drain system

San Diego has made its largest investment in decades to improve the city’s aging storm drain system and protect quality of life in local neighbourhoods.

Mayor Todd Gloria joined US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leaders to formally sign off on a key federal loan that will allow for up to $733m to be invested in stormwater infrastructure, including green technologies and green infrastructure projects, over the next five years.

Water infrastructure

The City Council unanimously approved the plan in April, allowing the City to use the EPA’s special loan programme for water infrastructure projects to cover 49 per cent of up to $733m in stormwater upgrades (from pipeline replacements to pump station repairs to watershed restoration). The City will cover the other half through loans, grants and other financing methods.

One of the over 80 projects funded will be the restoration of 84 acres of historic salt marsh habitat in the watershed. Mayor Gloria’s signature will kick off the first funding instalment of $225m.

“Our storm drain system is largely underground and out of sight, but the implications of this aging infrastructure failing are massive – from serious flooding in our neighbourhoods to pollution of our bays and the ocean,” said Gloria. “While replacing storm drains and upgrading pump stations doesn’t capture the public’s attention like fixing potholes, these major investments in critical infrastructure are incredibly important to our neighbourhoods and quality of life.”

“Our storm drain system is largely underground and out of sight, but the implications of this aging infrastructure failing are massive”

Established in 2014, the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) is a federal credit programme designed to promote improved water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

In January 2021, the EPA selected the City of San Diego’s Stormwater Capital Improvement Programme as one of 60 in the nation eligible to apply for the loan and its benefits. “These innovative projects harness the power of green technology to protect public health and the environment,” said EPA deputy assistant administrator for water, Bruno Pigott.