Nearly $2 million from the federal government will fund cybersecurity improvements and a new water purification facility in the Chino Basin, officials from the Inland Empire Utilities Agency announced Wednesday.
President Donald Trump signed into law a three-bill package on Friday that includes funding for two IEUA projects — Cybersecurity Program Improvement totaling $1.18 million, advanced by Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California, and the Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility totaling more than $1.09 million, advanced by Rep. Norma Torres, D-Ontario.
“Approval of these projects signals great progress for our region,” IEUA Board President Steve Elie said in a statement. “The partial federal funding of these key projects will assist and further IEUA’s long-standing commitment to maintaining and enhancing resilience, sustainability, and regional collaboration. We are extremely pleased to have had bipartisan support for these investments which will strengthen our infrastructure, protect critical systems, and advance innovative water solutions that directly benefit our constituents.”
The Cybersecurity Program Improvement Project will enhance cybersecurity at the IEUA by upgrading “cyber–incident response and recovery capabilities; vulnerability remediation management; third-party risk management; and other information security program components,” according to the agency. The planned improvements are key to protecting the utility’s operations, swift response to and speedy recovery from cyberattacks and supporting the IEUA’s commitment to safeguarding water reliability.
The planned Chino Basin Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility will serve as a regional hub “for innovation, education, and research in advanced water treatment and purification,” according to the IEUA. The facility’s flexible design enables testing of emerging technologies.
When it starts operating, “the facility will optimize processes for cost-effective, full-scale advanced treatment operations,” IEUA officials said. The Demonstration Facility’s mission includes fostering a positive public perception of reusing potable water reuse. Hands-on educational opportunities, tours, workshops and workforce development initiatives for local residents, educators, students, policymakers and utility industry professionals.
The new facility will be at the IEUA’s existing Regional Water Recycling Plant No. 4 in Rancho Cucamonga, according to the engineering firm Brown and Caldwell, which is designing it.
“These investments by our federal partners will better position us to prepare for future challenges while we continue to deliver safe, reliable services,” Elie added. “We greatly appreciate the support from both Senator Schiff and Congresswoman Torres. These funds will help ensure our region remains a leader in innovation and resource stewardship for both current and future generations.”
The IEUS serves over 950,000 residents in a 242-square-mile area in western San Bernardino County.
