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. CARLSBAD DESALINATION PLANT INTAKE WETLANDS PROJECT BORROWER: Poseidon Resources LOCATION: San Diego County, California WIFIA LOAN AMOUNT: $170 million TOTAL WIFIA PROJECT COSTS: $386 million POPULATION SERVED BY PROJECT: 2.4 million people NUMBER OF JOBS CREATED: 1,800 jobs PROJECT DESCRIPTION Poseidon Resources' Carlsbad Desalination Plant Intake Modification and Wetlands Project will reduce reliance on imported water, help prevent water shortages, and protect natural habitats and wildlife in San Diego County, California. Undertaken as a public-private partnership between Poseidon Resources and the San Diego County Water Authority, the Carlsbad Desalination plant is the largest desalination plant in the United States and provides approximately 10% of the San Diego County region's water supply. This WIFIA loan will support construction of a new intake facility to support compliance with the State of California's new oceanwater intake regulations, better protect marine life, and help ensure the plant's continued operation. Additionally, Poseidon Resources will restore approximately 125 acres of coastal wetlands on the San Diego Bay to provide habitat for native plants and wildlife, including endangered species, migratory seabirds, and shorebirds. PROJECT BENEFITS • Supports compliance with regulatory requirements to allow for ongoing operation of a critical water supply source. • Restores approximately 125 acres of coastal wetlands to protects natual habitats and wildlife in southern San Diego Bay. • Utilizing tax-exempt private activity bonds and low-cost WIFIA lending will help save Poseidon Resources approximately $54 million. WIFIA PROGRAM £% United States Environmental Protection kl m % Agency WEBSITE: www.epa.gov/wifia EMAIL: wifia@EPA.gov ------- |