For decades, the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority has worked hand in hand with local communities, facing head-on some of the most pressing challenges in the Central Valley.
From ensuring access to water in a region that knows all too well the importance of this resource to managing flood control and developing critical infrastructure, our mission has supported the people who call this region home.
This year, we took another step forward in that mission by launching the Community Infrastructure Fund, a new initiative designed to help local communities move their most important projects forward.
But this fund isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about investing in the fabric of our communities, enhancing quality of life, and building a stronger, more resilient Central Valley.
I’m proud to announce that the first cohort of well-deserving recipients is already in motion. With more than $500,000 in grants, five local projects will help shape the future of our region.
These projects aren’t just physical improvements but investments in our people, shared spaces, and the opportunities we want to provide for future generations.
Take the city of Firebaugh, for example. This year, it was awarded the largest grant—$180,000—to revitalize the San Joaquin River Pedestrian and Bike Trail.
This trail, which runs alongside the Poso Canal and the San Joaquin River, has long been a place where families gather, children ride their bikes, and individuals enjoy the outdoors.
Firebaugh is creating more recreational opportunities for its residents and investing in its community’s health and well-being by rehabilitating 7,000 linear feet of the existing trail.
The city of Newman’s project tells another powerful story of how these funds are being put to work. With a $150,000 grant, it is creating a community conservation area at the Newman Nature Park.
But this isn’t just about a park—it’s about education, sustainability, and community connection.
Newman will install an educational plaza, a pollinator garden to teach about the importance of biodiversity and a nature-themed fitness course to encourage outdoor activity.
This project blends recreation with learning and brings people closer to the land they live on.
In Los Banos, our support is making their HG Fawcett Canalside Trail safer and more accessible by helping the city install solar lighting along the trail with a $125,000 grant.
Not only does this step brighten up the area (quite literally), but it also reflects a commitment to sustainable energy and improving the community’s public spaces.
The city of Gustine received two grants for projects that go straight to the heart of long-term sustainability.
One is a $95,000 investment to convert the Borrelli Basin detention pond into a groundwater recharge facility, addressing critical issues like flood mitigation and drought preparation.
The second, a $30,000 grant, will help aerate Schmidt Park Pond, improving water quality and ensuring the pond remains a vibrant community space.
When we launched this fund in June, we invited proposals that could significantly influence areas ranging from water resource development to renewable resources and infrastructure.
Every project reflects a deep commitment to the community, a desire to improve the lives of residents, and a forward-thinking approach to the challenges of tomorrow.
The Community Infrastructure Fund will continue to be a cornerstone of our commitment to the Central Valley, with a portion of our annual net transfer revenue allocated to support these initiatives each year.
We believe in putting our resources to work—not just for infrastructure, but for people. After all, our work today isn’t just about dams and canals. It’s also about building a more resilient and sustainable region.
We’re excited to see these projects come to life and to watch our communities grow stronger as a result.
