Aryana Noroozi
Last month, Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA-39) and Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) announced a substantial federal grant of $13,092,670 aimed at enhancing the wastewater system at March Air Reserve Base (MARB) in Riverside County. The funding, part of the Wastewater Infrastructure Resiliency Program, will facilitate the replacement and expansion of the sewer force main which prevents wastewater from traveling through the sewer system.
According to the Western Municipal Water District, the use of recycled water is critical for sustainable management of long-term water supplies. This system operates by using treated recycled water instead of potable water to irrigate community spaces such as parks, schools and commercial buildings.
“This investment is crucial for ensuring that March Air Reserve Base can continue its vital operations,” said Congressman Takano in a press release. “Upgrading the water infrastructure will help maintain MARB’s status as a premier facility for our servicemembers.”
Padilla emphasized the historical significance of MARB in the release saying, “For over a century, March Air Reserve Base has been integral to U.S. military readiness. This significant federal investment not only upgrades aging infrastructure but also safeguards the health of our troops and the surrounding Riverside County community.”
The grant was approved by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation, reflecting a commitment to supporting both military readiness and local public health.
“March Air Reserve Base (MARB) plays an active and important role in our community, but its aging infrastructure requires investments for MARB to continue serving its pivotal role,” said Takano.