Sacramento, CA – Conserving water in this historic drought and reducing energy use across the state are among the top priorities for State Senator Mike McGuire. 

As part of his ongoing effort to achieve these goals and deliver for Lake County, Senator McGuire has announced that the Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District is slated to receive $189,601 from a state grant for a water efficient fixture program.

Hidden Valley Lake was one of 15 cities or agencies that were awarded $19 million in grant funding under the 2014 Water-Energy Grant Program, which uses proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade revenues – a state program to fight climate change by limiting the amount of greenhouse gases that large polluters can put into the atmosphere.

“During this historic drought, it is more important than ever to assist local communities in making positive changes that have big impacts on reducing our water and energy use,” Senator McGuire said. “We're working hard on behalf of Lake County and I'm excited that these investments are being made in Hidden Valley Lake."

The Hidden Valley Lake Community Services Department will receive the grant for a “Reduce the Use” program, which will fund the installation of ultra-efficient toilets, shower heads and faucet aerators.

As draft funding recommendations, the grant proposals will be open for a 30-day public comment period before being approved by the Department of Water Resources. In all, the 15 projects are estimated to save a total of 110,000 acre-feet and prevent the release of approximately 164,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

Also included in the grant funding package is nearly $2.5 million for the city of Santa Rosa to fund an Efficient Fixtures Direct Installation Program.

Once approved, these will be the first grants from the Department of Water Resources using proceeds from California’s cap-and-trade program for combating climate change. Through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, the state is investing in projects that reduce carbon pollution while also creating jobs, improving air quality and providing other benefits, such as energy and water savings.