New Joint Powers Authority to Enhance Water Infrastructure in California's Inland Empire

Joint Powers Authority Established for Water Infrastructure

On October 19, 2026, public water agencies in San Bernardino County, California, took an important step by forming a new public Joint Powers Authority (JPA) aimed at financing water and power infrastructure projects. This new venture, named the San Bernardino Water and Power Authority, is designed to benefit the Inland Empire and High Desert communities through better access to essential resources. The Authority's inaugural meeting was held on October 5, 2026, and during this meeting, Steve Elie, the Board President of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), was elected as the Authority's President.

The formation of this JPA stems from a decision made on April 21, 2026, when San Bernardino County voted to collaborate with the Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company (Fenner Gap). Following this, IEUA officially joined the initiative on September 2, 2026. Soon after, on September 17, the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority's Board of Commissioners expressed its intent to participate in the Authority as well.

The governing board of the San Bernardino Water and Power Authority includes notable figures such as Steve Elie as President, Barbara Lloyd (representing Fenner Gap) as Treasurer, Dakota Higgins as Interim Secretary, and Supervisor Curt Hagman representing San Bernardino County. Together, they will oversee efforts to develop a robust framework supporting the region's water and energy needs.

One of the major goals for the Authority is to align with San Bernardino County's long-term strategy for developing sustainable water and energy infrastructure. Key objectives include enhancing water recycling and reclamation efforts, capturing stormwater, recharging groundwater basins, restoring impaired groundwater supplies, and notably, reducing reliance on imported water. This multifaceted approach will yield low-cost financing options for interconnected projects, thus assisting local agencies in providing affordable services, fostering new housing developments, and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Chairman of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, articulated the intent behind creating the Authority, stating that it is designed to enhance regional cooperation and support the development of vital infrastructure. The goal is to provide a cost-effective financing mechanism for local agency partners to lower water and energy costs for families and businesses across the county.

According to Steve Elie, the formation of the Authority comes at a crucial time. He stated that water agencies in the Inland Empire face significant capital investment requirements. The newly formed Authority is expected to open doors to public and private capital, paving the way for innovative funding opportunities and ultimately helping to reduce the costs associated with essential water and energy services.

Moreover, Susan Kennedy, the President of Fenner Gap Mutual Water Company, emphasized that the future of water infrastructure requires innovative financing solutions and a greater emphasis on private capital. She noted that public-private partnerships can drive major infrastructure projects that traditional public financing methods cannot achieve alone. The Authority aims to create a platform that will facilitate this investment in the region, speed up construction processes, and ultimately reduce costs for the communities it serves.

In summary, the establishment of the San Bernardino Water and Power Authority represents a significant advancement in addressing the water and energy needs of California's Inland Empire. By providing low-cost financing for essential infrastructure projects, the Authority positions itself as a vital agent in ensuring that water and energy services remain affordable for local residents and businesses. As the Authority embarks on its mission, it aims to play a decisive role in paving the way for a sustainable and resilient future for the region's water and power infrastructure.