VOICES - The Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils (VANC) supported the Emergency Water Rate Increase based upon the need to complete mandated water quality projects on schedule.
However, the VANC opposed the proposed $110M buried tank project at Elysian Reservoir and supported the $25M floating cover project which the EIR determined to be the “environmentally superior project” and saves ratepayers $85M.
Floating reservoir covers have been used at numerous DWP reservoirs throughout the City to comply with water quality regulations in an economical way. Additionally, the $110M buried tank project includes 3 soccer fields which should not be paid for with water rates, especially during times of austerity (so we are told) at the DWP.
So, when the DWP Commission votes to select a project on April 3, we’ll see if the emergency water rate increase was FACT (for water quality projects), or FICTION (for very expensive soccer fields).
(Jill Banks Barad is Founder and Chair, Valley Alliance of Neighborhood Councils) –cw
Tags: Neighborhood Councils, VANC, DWP, DWP Reservoirs, Elysian Reservoir, EIR
CityWatch
Vol 10 Issue 25
Pub: Mar 27, 2012