In an action to secure the long-term reliability of water and power service, the Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors in December passed a resolution committing to modernize its critical infrastructure by 2040.
The initiative aims to bring IID’s vast network of canals, power lines, and other facilities into “good or better condition,” while ensuring no critical infrastructure exceeds its useful life.
The resolution addresses a growing challenge faced by utilities nationwide: aging infrastructure. IID’s systems include over 7,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines, 3,000 miles of canals and drains, and key facilities like the Imperial Dam and the All-American Canal.
Without reinvestment, IID studies show that within 15 years, over a third of IID’s water and power infrastructure, and the majority of its general services and IT infrastructure, will be at or beyond their designed lifespans.
“Our customers rely on us to deliver dependable water and power every day, and this commitment ensures we’ll continue to do that well into the future,” said IID Vice Chairman JB Hamby.
“We’re taking the steps necessary today to prevent costly breakdowns tomorrow and maintain cost-effective, reliable service for our communities,” added Gina Dockstader, Division 3 Director and newly elected IID Chairwoman.
The resolution also outlines a fiscally responsible funding approach. IID plans to pursue state and federal grants, loans, and bonds, while maintaining reserves to minimize the financial impact on ratepayers. The District will continue developing its Asset Management Plan and long-term capital strategies to guide these efforts.
To keep customers informed, IID plans to prioritize public outreach, including regular updates on project progress and funding milestones.
The Board emphasized that the resolution marks a turning point for IID’s infrastructure: a proactive, data-driven approach to securing the reliability and safety of services for the communities it serves.
