Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. joined federal, state, and local officials to kick off the groundbreaking for the regional EchoWater Project earlier today in Elk Grove.

The project will be one of Sacramento's largest public works projects ever and will ensure that water going through the Sacramento region's wastewater treatment plant will meet higher standards. It could also help address the region's drought in the long-term by increasing recycled water use in landscaping and agricultural irrigation.

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"We need to invest more in our infrastructure to create jobs and keep our communities safe," said Bera. "The EchoWater project is a great example of state and federal agencies working together on a project that contributes to a thriving local economy and community."

The project was approved in April to receive $1.6 billion in low-interest financing from the State of California. According to the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, the favorable loan terms will save ratepayers more than a half billion dollars in interest costs.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He's fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country's debt in a responsible way. One of Bera's first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he's working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.