Regional Leaders Praise Water Authority Innovation

Regional leaders from across San Diego County expressed their support for the historic long-term regional water supply agreement between the Water Authority and Western Municipal Water District following Thursday’s news conference announcing the agreement.

U.S. Rep. Scott Peters: “The San Diego County Water Authority has worked for decades to ensure our community has enough water no matter the weather. Now, the Water Authority is taking another strategic step forward with water transfers that will help control wholesale water costs. This is a major win for our region.”

Assemblymember Chris Ward: “When we look at agencies that provide a public good, we want to see them taking every opportunity to be innovative, efficient, collaborative and focused on affordability. I applaud the Water Authority for finding new ways to deliver positive outcomes for people across the San Diego region.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria: “Today’s water-supply agreement shows people across San Diego County that we can find solutions to our biggest problems. I commend the City of San Diego’s representatives on the Water Authority’s board for their initiative and laser focus on keeping costs down for everyone in our region.”

Carol Kim, Business Manager, San Diego County Building & Construction Trades Council: “With this water transfer agreement, the Water Authority has centered the needs of working families at a time when inflation continues to impact all aspects of our lives. Dedication to keeping future rate increases low is what we expect from all our public agencies – and the Water Authority is charting a new course that benefits us all.”

Mark Cafferty, President & CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.:  “The County Water Authority is demonstrating real leadership – settling litigation with the Metropolitan Water District and securing a transfer deal with our northern neighbors. It’s a smart, forward-looking approach that helps control wholesale water rates while ensuring the reliable supply our regional economy depends on.”

Jimmy Ukegawa, President, San Diego County Farm Bureau: “We appreciate the San Diego County Water Authority investing in water reliability and then making strategic decisions that generate new revenues to protect ratepayers. That approach benefits the bottom lines for thousands of men and women who produce the food and flowers that enrich our lives and our economy.”

Miguel Motta, COO & Executive Director, BIOCOM San Diego: “As a major consideration for the life science industry, the future of our water supply is always front of mind. Biocom was founded on the importance of reliable access to essential resources like water, which underpins innovation. That’s why we’re encouraged by the Water Authority’s forward-thinking strategies to manage rates while leveraging regional water resources so our member companies can continue driving the breakthroughs that define San Diego.”