The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program accelerates investment in our nation's water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. SAFE, CLEAN AND NATURAL FLOOD PROTECTION PROGRAM BORROWER: Santa Clara Valley Water District LOCATION: Santa Clara County, California WIFIA LOAN AMOUNT: $41 million TOTAL WIFIA PROJECT COSTS: $84 million POPULATION SERVED BY PROJECT: 2,000,000 people NUMBER OF JOBS CREATED: 260 jobs PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Safe, Clean and Natural Flood Protection Program in Santa Clara County, California will improve stormwater management, protect against extreme weather events and erosion, and improve wildlife habitat. This WIFIA loan supports the planning, design, and construction of channel restoration projects. Santa Clara Valley Water District will upgrade and add channel restoration projects in Sunnyvale, San Jose, and surrounding areas to benefit residents, schools, and businesses. Implementation of erosion control measures will protect native wildlife habitats, enhance recreational opportunities adjacent to waterways, and protect water quality. This is the first loan under a master agreement that will commit nearly $150 million in WIFIA assistance to the Santa Clara Valley Water District to accelerate the implementation of its $300 million Safe, Clean and Natural Flood Protection Program. PROJECT BENEFITS • Provides 100-year flood protection, improves water quality, and manages stormwater. • Enhances recreational opportunities and protects native wildlife near affected waterways. • Saves Santa Clara Valley Water District approximately $12 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. WIFIA PROGRAM Source: Santa Clara Valley Water District £% United States Environmental Protection kl m % Agency WEBSITE: www.epa.gov/wifia EMAIL: wifia@EPA.gov ------- |