IID Secures $7 Million Grant to Build Largest Reservoir in District’s History

The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has hit a significant milestone in its efforts to bolster water management in the Imperial Valley. Recently awarded a generous $7 million grant from the Department of the Interior, IID is set to embark on the construction of what will be the largest reservoir ever built in its 113-year history.

The grant, allocated from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signifies a crucial step towards enhancing water supply reliability in the region. This latest funding injection adds to a previous grant of $9.5 million, bringing the total federal support for the Upstream Operational Reservoir Project to an impressive $16.5 million.

IID Board President, Alex Cardenas, expressed gratitude for the grant, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the district’s Water Department and federal officials. “These funds will help us get one step closer to getting this very important project completed,” Cardenas remarked.

The proposed reservoir, with a capacity of 2,100 acre-feet, aims to address the growing water demands in the eastern Imperial Valley. Situated upstream in the southeastern region near the All-American and East Highline Canals, the reservoir is strategically positioned to optimize water management efficiency.