Two replacement water tanks in Santa Paula that store supplies for drinking and firefighting are nearing completion.
Construction for the Mesa Tanks Replacement Project began in 2022 and a couple of months of work remain, said Jonathan Royas, the city’s deputy city manager.
The old tanks were rusted out and water leaked, he said. One new tank is online and the other needs to be tested before going online, Royas said. The water tanks are located off Montclair Drive on a hilltop west of Highway 150.
On Tuesday, officials gathered to acknowledge nearly $960,000 in federal funds for the project secured by Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village. Brownley secured the money in the fiscal year 2024 interior, environment and related agencies funding bill, her office said. The money was first announced in March.
Carina Armenta, communications director for Brownley, said in an email the tanks play important roles "in supporting critical infrastructure, potable water and fire suppression capabilities for many residents and businesses, including the Ventura County Medical Center located in Santa Paula."
The total project cost is estimated at $5.5 million. It will be paid using money from the city’s enterprise fund along with the federal dollars, Royas said.
Construction of the two 300,000-gallon welded steel tanks also includes a concrete retaining wall, waterline installation, electronic operational control and security upgrades, according to city materials.
In 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board's drinking water division identified the Mesa tanks as being in poor condition and requiring replacement.
“By replacing the aging Mesa tanks with new, reinforced structures," Mayor Leslie Cornejo said in a statement, "we are not only improving our water storage capacity but also enhancing our ability to support our growing community needs and firefighting efforts."
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
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