California public power utility Imperial Irrigation District has successfully secured more than $319 million in grants for 2024, it reported on Dec. 18.
“The funding will ease financial pressures on local ratepayers while strengthening water and power reliability across the region,” IID said.
For IID, the nation’s largest irrigation district and a key public power provider in California, "the grants represent more than just dollars -- they symbolize months of hard work by the district’s board and staff to address growing challenges. From aging infrastructure to new federal electrification mandates, IID is navigating a complex landscape while remaining focused on managing costs for the people it serves," it said.
The funding is the result of what IID leadership "calls a concerted effort to leave no stone unturned in finding external resources to support its mission. Without this infusion of grant dollars, customers would face higher costs as the district moves to recover the full cost of service through decades-overdue rate updates."
“We know how important affordability is to the families and businesses in our community,” said Karin Eugenio, IID Director for Division 5. “That’s why we’re doing everything in our power to secure outside funding. These grants allow us to invest in critical infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on our customers. It’s a win-win for the entire region.”
The grants will fund a range of projects aimed at improving water and power infrastructure and the environment across IID’s service area, which spans more than 6,000 square miles and supports a rapidly growing population.
Key projects include:
- $250 million: Salton Sea Species Conservation Habitat Project Expansion, the largest restoration project to date at the Salton Sea.
- $23.8 million: Strengthening 28 miles of the “K” transmission line and adding new breakers to improve power reliability.
- $18.3 million: Advanced Distribution Management System to enhance power service restoration.
- $15 million: USDA Water-Savings Commodities Grant (tentative).
- $7 million: East Highline Reservoir Project for improved capacity and water conservation.
- $3 million: Regional shade tree planting partnership to plant 6,000 trees across Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
Looking Ahead
While 2024 has already been a banner year for IID’s grant efforts, the district isn’t slowing down, it noted.
Additional funding proposals are in the works to support even more ambitious projects, from renewable energy integration to canal lining and water automation.
“It’s about future-proofing our region,” said Alex Cardenas, Director for Division 1. “Our infrastructure has served us for decades, but we’re facing new challenges. These funds are helping us build for the next century—and lightening the load on our ratepayers.
IID noted that its efforts go beyond dollars and projects. The district is focused on long-term sustainability, whether through water conservation, renewable energy initiatives, or preserving the Salton Sea. With these grants, "IID is creating a pathway to greater resilience for the Imperial Valley’s water, power, and environment."
“Every investment we make is about the future of this community,” said Jamie Asbury, IID General Manager. “We’re proud to be delivering not just reliable services, but also real savings for our customers.”
