West County Wastewater secures federal backing for North Richmond living levee

West County Wastewater secures federal backing for North Richmond living leveeThe California district has obtained $1.35 million in federal community project funding, a strategic win expected to open the door to significant Army Corps of Engineers construction grants for its coastal resilience infrastructure.

West County Wastewater secured $1.35 million in the federal minibus package for the North Richmond Wastewater Protection EI Project.

The federal award complements $2.5 million in prior regional funding for the nature-based project designed to mitigate sea-level rise risks.

The funding facilitates entry into the Army Corps of Engineers work plan, potentially unlocking 70% federal cost-sharing for future construction.

The district also approved a $130,000 purchase order increase for pump repair services to address mechanical failures.

A $53,192 procurement was authorized for a new recirculation pump to support the Clean & Green Project's digestate management.

West County Wastewater (WCW) has secured $1.35 million in federal Community Project Funding for its North Richmond Wastewater Protection EI Project, also known as the Living Levee. The award, confirmed during the Board of Directors meeting on February 4, 2026, represents a critical strategic step in the district’s long-term coastal resilience planning. This federal backing builds upon a foundation of regional support, including $2.5 million in total funding previously secured from the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority. Those funds, capped by a $1.85 million grant in 2024, have advanced the design and environmental documentation for the project. The Living Levee is designed as a nature-based solution to address the treatment plant’s vulnerability to sea-level rise, combining flood protection with tidal marsh restoration and public access improvements along the San Francisco Bay Trail. While the immediate funding supports these ongoing efforts, General Manager Andrew Clough emphasized that its primary value lies in positioning the district for future federal support. Inclusion in the federal package allows the project to move into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan. According to Clough, this designation makes the project eligible for funds under the Water Resources Development Act, potentially covering “probably 70% or so” of the construction costs for the levee, assuming permitting and other milestones are met. Clough noted that without this federal pathway, the district likely could not have funded the project solely through state or local resources. Board President Cheryl Sudduth, who chairs a Northern California coalition and the environmental caucus, highlighted the lobbying efforts behind the award. She noted that the coalition helped secure approximately $99.4 million in total funding for Northern California energy and water projects in the latest federal cycle. Sudduth emphasized the importance of persistent advocacy in Washington, D.C., noting that many other agencies had ceased seeking these funds due to perceived gridlock. In operational matters, the Board approved a $130,000 increase to a purchase order with Shape, Inc. for pump repair services, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $164,052 for Fiscal Year 2026. The increase was necessitated by multiple unanticipated mechanical failures involving larger equipment, which depleted the initial budget earlier than expected. Shape, Inc. is the sole local authorized representative for Flygt pumps, which comprise the majority of WCW’s inventory. Additionally, the Board waived purchasing policy requirements to award a $53,192.30 purchase order to Rockwell Solutions, Inc. for a Vaughn Chopper Pump. This heavy-duty centrifugal pump is required for the commissioning of the district’s Clean & Green Project. It will serve as a recirculation pump for Tank-103, which holds digestate from WCW and the City of Richmond prior to centrifuge treatment. Staff determined that procuring a new pump with a warranty was preferable to utilizing an existing transfer pump, citing the need for standardization and critical spare parts availability.