News Release - May 31, 2023

Marin Water has received a boost in its efforts to modernize aging water infrastructure, securing a $6.4 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources to fund major upgrades to water infrastructure in Marin City and San Rafael’s Canal district.

Paired with Marin Water’s $1.3 million local match, the state funding, which was awarded through the Integrated Regional Water Management Implementation Grant Program, will replace a combined total of 3.5 miles of pipeline and nearly 275 service laterals within the two community areas. The mains and laterals will all be replaced with more seismically resilient water infrastructure.

The grant award covers more than 83% of the total project cost, greatly expanding Marin Water’s ability to address long-sought improvements to aging infrastructure, while also representing its commitment to reducing impacts on local ratepayers to the largest extent possible. The project received support from local community advocates as well as Congressman Jared Huffman.

"This critical investment is an important step towards providing support where it’s needed most. We're thankful to our regional partners who collaborated with us and understood the significance of these community investments as an opportunity to ensure water system resiliency for generations to come,” said Director Jed Smith of the Marin Water Board who represents Division IV, which includes Marin City. “I’m grateful to Congressman Huffman for spearheading important early meetings, and to Supervisor Stephanie Moulton-Peters, the Multicultural Center of Marin and others for their critical support as we move forward with this important work.”

The California Department of Water Resources set aside $510 million through 2014 legislation meant to support projects that improve climate change adaptation, support regional collaboration and self-reliance and serve disadvantaged communities. Marin Water’s award came in the final grant funding cycle, which awarded a total of $143.7 million for 115 projects that support groundwater recharge, strengthen flood management, increase water conservation or improve water quality.

“Along with significant investment in local water infrastructure, this state grant funding will enable Marin Water and its partners to improve and rebuild our deteriorating water infrastructure in disadvantaged communities, and I will keep pushing to make sure our region gets its fair share of investments,” said Congressman Jared Huffman.

Since 2020, Marin Water has secured nearly $23 million in outside grants to help support the work needed to ensure delivery of clean drinking water to the District’s 191,000 central and southern Marin County customers.