February 20, 2013

Plant Upgrade Moves Ahead

The City's largest Public Works project, the upgrade of its Water Conservation Plant, moved forward Monday night with the Council's certification of the Environmental Impact Report and plans for the plant upgrade. Work on the project has been ongoing for several years to the point that the project is nearly ready for construction. The total construction cost of the project is expected to be $142 million.

The project's two main objectives are to provide for the City's wastewater treatment needs and to help mitigate the groundwater overdraft condition within the City. To achieve these objectives, the plant will be upgraded to produce recycled water that is California Title 22-compliant, the highest standard for recycled water in the world. Once completed, the plant will produce recycled water unrestricted in its use, except for drinking water purposes.

In addition, the bulk of the water will be delivered to the Tulare Irrigation District where it can be used for crop irrigation. In exchange, the TID will deliver surface water and it will be placed in the City's waterways and basins to recharge the groundwater.  

For the complete staff report, click here.

Fee Mail Ballots Due Back March 18

Visalia property owners have the opportunity to choose to reduce the risk of local flooding and property damage by increasing maintenance on the City's expanding flood control and storm water drainage system at no additional current cost. A mail ballot went out on Jan. 31 to Visalia property owners who currently pay a monthly fee of 48 cents per parcel, or dwelling unit, that helped pay to enlarge Lake Kaweah. They can now choose to have a portion of the fee used to help reduce the risk of local flooding, which has occurred in the City as recently as 2010.

A "yes" vote on the mail ballot means the fee will continue at the same rate of 48 cents per month per parcel or dwelling unit with a portion going to fund local flood control maintenance. A "no" vote means the allowable use of the monthly fee will not include local flood control maintenance, and a fee of 5 cents per month will continue to fund Lake Kaweah maintenance requirements.

The funds can only be used for flood control purposes, and flood insurance costs and requirements will not be affected by the outcome of the vote. Only signed ballots received by 4 p.m. on March 18 will be counted.

A public informational meetings will be held from 6 to 7 pm Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Visalia Unified School District Board Room, 5000 W. Cypress. For more information, click here.