LAKEPORT, Calif. -- The Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians has commenced work on a new water treament plant.

Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians held a ground breaking Ceremony for their new Water Treatment Plant November 29-2022 at 11.00 AM at the Tribal Site located at 1135 Soda Bay Road.

Breaking the ground during the ground breaking ceremoney. Photo - John Giichuki Director of Public Works | Big Valley Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians.

The grant funded project estimated at $7.23 million is funding from several donors including USDA, USEPA, Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and Indian Health Service (IHS).

Construction of a new water treatment facility with upgraded water treatment technology and processes to meet regulatory requirements and provide safe drinking water.

Expanded storage with a 260,000-gallon tank capacity for drinking water and fire suppression.

New water delivery intertie pipeline that connects the Tribes two public water systems together in order to provide all Tribal users with safe water and reliable quantities. Once completed, the new system will support Tribal water needs for housing and economic development in the coming 30 years and beyond.

An opening prayer was conducted by Elder Lucille “Jojo” Gomez, who also blessed the ground, while Phillip C. Gomez provided the welcome and introduction.

A luncheon at the Community Centre took place after the ground breaking ceremony.