County Seeks Funds to Replace Aging Water System

December 7, 2010

Tulare County took an important step to replace an aging water distribution system in the unincorporated community of Seville.

At its Dec. 7 meeting, the Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the submission of a grant application to seek more than $1 million in Federal funding for the replacement of deteriorating distribution lines and water storage facilities in Seville, otherwise known as the Seville Water System Rehabilitation Project.

In April 2009, the Board of Supervisors approved the County assuming temporary receivership of the Seville Water Company (SWC) – a private water company – in the community of Seville. In June 2009, the Tulare County Superior Court granted temporary receivership for the SWC to the County for a two year period.

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Steve Worthley, who represents Seville, said Tulare County is seeking to fulfill its mission of repairing the water system which serves 74 houses, approximately 375 people, and a school.

“The Board’s decision in April 2009 to seek temporary receivership has allowed the County to take proactive measures to fix the aging water system in Seville,” Chairman Worthley said. “Tulare County will continue to seek grant opportunities that will deliver reliable, clean water to Seville and other rural, unincorporated communities.”

The total cost of the project is estimated to be more than $2 million. The grant application for Federal funding and an existing grant application for State funding would cover the cost of the project. Self-Help Enterprises has worked extensively with Tulare County in the preparation of the grant application.