WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency in the Department of the Interior, has awarded a $2 million contract to the Yucaipa Valley Water District under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to construct a brineline extension that will help the Water District meet regional water quality objectives.

In March 2010, the project received $2.286 million in ARRA funding to construct its initial phases which are expected to be complete by the end of the year. The additional $2 million will be used to complete the third and final phase which includes placing 5.1 miles of 16-inch-diameter pipe to extend the existing Santa Ana Regional Interceptor pipeline into the Yucaipa Valley. Upon completion in June 2012, the brineline will allow waste brine and nonreclaimable wastewater to be conveyed to the Orange County Sanitation District's treatment plant for treatment and eventual disposal into the Pacific Ocean.

"This project helps the district comply with water quality objectives while increasing its fresh water supplies through reverse osmosis technology," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said. "Additionally, this project helps protect the quality of the Santa Ana River to ensure its usefulness for downstream water uses."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted last year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior.

The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America's timeless treasures - our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage - while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

"With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department's economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on http://www.recovery.gov and on http://www.interior.gov/recovery. Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior's Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.