Rep. Lofgren, Mayor Mahan Celebrate $3.16 Million Grant for San José Stormwater Treatment

SAN JOSÉ, CA — Today, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that the City of San José received a $3,160,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the San Francisco Bay Area Water Quality Improvement Fund. This funding will be used to construct and maintain large-scale green stormwater treatment facilities, supporting stormwater infrastructure across 6 watersheds in San José. The project is expected to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay.

“I’m proud to see this significant investment in protecting our environment and preserving our beautiful San Francisco Bay,” said Rep. Lofgren. “This grant will help to reduce the amount of trash, pesticides, and other contaminants from getting into the Bay. I’m happy that the City of San José will be able to strengthen our stormwater infrastructure, and I will continue pushing for further funding to make sure our communities are safe and healthy."

“With El Niño storms on the horizon, we’re preparing for what the rain could bring — and what it could wash away,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Green infrastructure protects our fragile ecosystems, including the Bay, by capturing runoff and allowing nature to break down and process pollutants. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Lofgren for working to secure a $3.16 million EPA grant to build smarter, more sustainable stormwater infrastructure in San Jose.”

The EPA has awarded over $128 million to the San Francisco Bay program through more than ninety grants since 2008. These projects include over 100 partners who are contributing additional funding to restore wetlands and watersheds and reduce runoff pollution.

Rep. Lofgren voted to pass the most recent EPA funding bill in January.