The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded to San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (“Water Authority”) $61.6 million in funding from the federal Aging Infrastructure account for work necessary to restore water conveyance capacity in the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) as well as critical maintenance and upgrades at the O’Neill Pumping Plant. This investment underscores the continued commitment to enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the water conveyance system vital to the western San Joaquin Valley, San Benito Valley, and Santa Clara Valley’s water supply.
The O’Neill Pumping Plant is an integral component of the region’s water infrastructure, and will see comprehensive upgrades, addressing the aging facility’s needs. The scope of work includes major improvements to the facility that are critical to ensuring its reliability into the future.
Other work to be completed includes the design and construction of motor rewinds for the six O’Neill Pumping Plant units, similar to work recently completed by the Water Authority at the Central Valley Project’s C.W. “Bill” Jones Pumping Plant near Tracy, as well as necessary electrical and mechanical controls at the pumping plant.
“Following the successful rewinds at the Jones Pumping Plant, we are thrilled to continue our work to upgrade the water conveyance system and facilities so critical for delivering water to our members,” said Federico Barajas, executive director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority. “These enhancements at O’Neill Pumping Plant and ongoing work to correct the subsidence issues impacting the Delta-Mendota Canal will help improve the reliability and efficiency of the water supply system on which a portion of the drinking water supply for 2.5 million Californians, 1.2 million acres of irrigated agriculture, and a large portion of the remaining managed wetlands in California are reliant. This funding from – and partnership with – the Bureau of Reclamation is crucial in ensuring we can meet the water demands of our communities while maintaining sustainable and resilient infrastructure. We thank Reclamation for this funding award.”
The upgrades at the O’Neill Pumping Plant mark an important next step in the ongoing effort to enhance the region’s water infrastructure. These projects are not only vital for maintaining current operations but are also essential for future-proofing the water supply system against increasing demand and environmental challenges.