I’m so pleased to report that a large-scale renewable energy project proposed jointly by the City of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority received $18 million in the state budget signed this month by Gov. Gavin Newsom. That money will advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, […]
Statewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast – […]
As we head into summer, we look forward to the continued retreat of COVID-19 and a full return to baseball games, barbeques, and graduation celebrations. We also take a moment to remember that those things we cherish about San Diego County are all based on a reliable supply of water. It is the foundation of […]
It has been a very busy few weeks in the water world, with the governor declaring a drought emergency in two Northern California counties and increased discussions across the West about how to manage water through a very dry year. While the challenges are real in some parts of the state, I applaud Governor Newsom […]
All three major rating agencies affirmed the San Diego County Water Authority’s strong credit ratings, which will help us minimize the cost of financing important water reliability projects. It is particularly gratifying that the reports cited the Water Authority’s strategic management, our conservative approach to water sales projections, and the benefits of rate case litigation […]
I’m so pleased report that yesterday the Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted to distribute a rebate of $44.4 million to its 24 member agencies across the region after receiving a check for that amount from the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to pay legal damages and interest. The rebate resulted from […]
I have some important news for our region to share: The San Francisco Superior Court has ruled the San Diego County Water Authority is the prevailing party in the agency’s first two lawsuits heard challenging rates and charges set by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The order entitles the Water Authority […]
We welcome the new year with heavy hearts about the recent events in our nation’s Capitol and a renewed commitment to civility and respect at every level of government. At the same time, we are maintaining our concentration on our priorities for the year, which are numerous and significant. I’m focused on advancing San Diego […]
If more than three decades in the fire service taught me anything, it’s that we are always stronger together. This has never been more clear than over the past several months, as the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have worked together to ensure an affordable, safe and reliable water supply, as San Diego County […]
Thank you for your support over the past two years. It’s been an honor to serve as the chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. While some may not realize it, this 36-member Board plays a critical role in sustaining San Diego County’s quality of life and economy. And I’m pleased to say that […]
As my two-year term as the Water Authority Board chair winds down, it’s my pleasure to update you on two important efforts that are underway for the betterment of the San Diego region. First of all, our Board voted unanimously last week to spend a few more months discussing and assessing a study of a […]
As you know, the Water Authority has been working for years to conclude lawsuits over rates set by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – and this week, we have taken a big step forward with the entry of final judgment in two major cases. Yesterday, a Superior Court judge has awarded […]
During my nearly two years as chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors, I have seen firsthand the regional benefits of decisions made by our predecessors to secure water supply reliability. I cannot count the number of times I have been thankful for all the board members, regional stakeholders, staff and supporters in decades […]
I’m pleased to share some good news for our region. You will recall the Water Authority was recently awarded $15 million in state grants for several water supply projects throughout the county. Earlier this week, we also secured approval of more than $115 million for local water supply projects in San Diego County through the […]
I hope this finds you safe and healthy despite the challenging circumstances that we face as a region, state and nation. While our hearts are heavy, we continue working on several critical issues at the Water Authority this month, and I would like to share three of them with you briefly. The Water Authority’s Board […]
Local Renewable Energy Project Gets Big Boost
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceI’m so pleased to report that a large-scale renewable energy project proposed jointly by the City of San Diego and the San Diego County Water Authority received $18 million in the state budget signed this month by Gov. Gavin Newsom. That money will advance the San Vicente Energy Storage Facility through initial design, environmental reviews, […]
San Diego Region is Drought-Safe This Summer
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceStatewide drought conditions are highlighting the value of regionally and locally controlled water supplies in San Diego County, where the Water Authority announced June 21 that the region is protected from drought impacts this summer, and through 2045, despite continued hot and dry conditions. No shortages or regional water-use mandates are in the forecast – […]
Controlling the Budget and Water Rates in a Challenging Era
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceAs we head into summer, we look forward to the continued retreat of COVID-19 and a full return to baseball games, barbeques, and graduation celebrations. We also take a moment to remember that those things we cherish about San Diego County are all based on a reliable supply of water. It is the foundation of […]
Investments Protect San Diego Region from Drought
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceIt has been a very busy few weeks in the water world, with the governor declaring a drought emergency in two Northern California counties and increased discussions across the West about how to manage water through a very dry year. While the challenges are real in some parts of the state, I applaud Governor Newsom […]
Water Authority Credit Remains Strong as Risks Emerge
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceAll three major rating agencies affirmed the San Diego County Water Authority’s strong credit ratings, which will help us minimize the cost of financing important water reliability projects. It is particularly gratifying that the reports cited the Water Authority’s strategic management, our conservative approach to water sales projections, and the benefits of rate case litigation […]
Local Water Agencies to Receive $44.4 Million Rebate
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceI’m so pleased report that yesterday the Water Authority’s Board of Directors voted to distribute a rebate of $44.4 million to its 24 member agencies across the region after receiving a check for that amount from the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to pay legal damages and interest. The rebate resulted from […]
Water Authority’s Legal Efforts Protect Local and Regional Ratepayers
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceI have some important news for our region to share: The San Francisco Superior Court has ruled the San Diego County Water Authority is the prevailing party in the agency’s first two lawsuits heard challenging rates and charges set by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The order entitles the Water Authority […]
Building a Collaborative Vision for San Diego County
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceWe welcome the new year with heavy hearts about the recent events in our nation’s Capitol and a renewed commitment to civility and respect at every level of government. At the same time, we are maintaining our concentration on our priorities for the year, which are numerous and significant. I’m focused on advancing San Diego […]
Building a Vision of Regional Strength Through Collaboration
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceIf more than three decades in the fire service taught me anything, it’s that we are always stronger together. This has never been more clear than over the past several months, as the Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have worked together to ensure an affordable, safe and reliable water supply, as San Diego County […]
Threat Emerges to Reduce Water Supply Reliability, Fracture Region
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceThank you for your support over the past two years. It’s been an honor to serve as the chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. While some may not realize it, this 36-member Board plays a critical role in sustaining San Diego County’s quality of life and economy. And I’m pleased to say that […]
Help Us Reduce Water Rates
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceAs my two-year term as the Water Authority Board chair winds down, it’s my pleasure to update you on two important efforts that are underway for the betterment of the San Diego region. First of all, our Board voted unanimously last week to spend a few more months discussing and assessing a study of a […]
Major Water Rate Case Victory; San Diego County is Stronger Together
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceAs you know, the Water Authority has been working for years to conclude lawsuits over rates set by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – and this week, we have taken a big step forward with the entry of final judgment in two major cases. Yesterday, a Superior Court judge has awarded […]
Charting a Long-Term Water Strategy for San Diego County
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceDuring my nearly two years as chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors, I have seen firsthand the regional benefits of decisions made by our predecessors to secure water supply reliability. I cannot count the number of times I have been thankful for all the board members, regional stakeholders, staff and supporters in decades […]
Good News: Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Approved for Local Water Projects
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Ed JoyceI’m pleased to share some good news for our region. You will recall the Water Authority was recently awarded $15 million in state grants for several water supply projects throughout the county. Earlier this week, we also secured approval of more than $115 million for local water supply projects in San Diego County through the […]
Jim Madaffer: Supporting Protections for Ratepayers and Property Owners
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Kimberlyn Velasquezby Jim Madaffer, Board ChairI hope this finds you safe and healthy despite the challenging circumstances that we face as a region, state and nation. While our hearts are heavy, we continue working on several critical issues at the Water Authority this month, and I would like to share three of them with you briefly. The Water Authority’s Board […]