RIO DELL – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), state and local leaders, and the Rio Dell community celebrated the groundbreaking of a total rebuild of the city’s water system, which was extensively damaged in the 2022 earthquake.
 

The $12.9 million investment from the State of California was approved in the days following the 6.4-magnitude earthquake. Once completed, Rio Dell’s aging water system will be fully replaced, at no cost to local ratepayers. 

“After that December 22nd quake shook the Eel River Valley, Rio Dell’s water system was near total collapse,” said Pro Tem McGuire. “We committed to Rio Dell neighbors that the State would deliver, and today, a promise made is a promise kept. Nothing is more essential than clean and reliable drinking water. This rebuild will be a massive shot in the arm for the City for decades to come and will save residents millions, since the State is covering all costs associated with the project.” 

Once completed, the new water system will include 2.85 miles of new piping, 279 updated service lines to homes, 30 new fire hydrants, and five new highway under crossings.  
 

“This project is about making sure Rio Dell is a safe and thriving community for generations to come. And at zero cost for local residents who are already struggling to get back on their feet, this is a huge win for our community,” said Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes. “We’re so grateful for Senator McGuire’s and the State Office of Emergency Services partnership, for their commitment and follow through to get this job done for Rio Dell.”

Construction is expected to start this summer with the demolition of an out of service, dilapidated redwood tank, that will be replaced by a modern and structurally-sound concrete tank with twice the storage capacity that will serve the community for decades to come.