FPUD seeks federal funding for Downtown pipeline replacements

Joe Naiman

Village News Reporter

The Fallbrook Public Utility District is hoping that federal funding will cover some of the expenses to replace pipelines in the Downtown Fallbrook area.

FPUD’s board voted 5-0 Feb. 27 to approve a resolution in support of an application for fiscal year 2023-24 federal funding for FPUD’s Downtown Fallbrook Pipeline Replacement Project. The resolution authorizes FPUD staff to apply for federal funding but is not specific about which projects will be funded.

A more complete application to the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or other federal departments will be developed by FPUD staff. “We as staff are responsible for working with them,” said FPUD General Manager Jack Bebee.

Although no specific projects were included in the resolution, FPUD staff has identified several pipelines in the Downtown Fallbrook area for replacement. The pipelines not only serve FPUD residents but also allow FPUD to provide service to the Naval Weapons Station, and FPUD can also transport water to Camp Pendleton in an emergency situation.

The fiscal year 2023-24 appropriations bill will likely be amended after its initial introduction, but the FPUD resolution increases the chance that funding for Downtown Fallbrook projects will be included. FPUD will likely apply for a State and Tribal Assistance Grants award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. FPUD is prepared to provide a local match, and the district will be ready to solicit bids on the pipeline replacements once funding is received.