to address this challenge, and in 2024, their efforts bore fruit: a $30 million grant was secured to tackle water quality issues. These funds will be used to build new treatment plants, install additional water lines, and ensure clean, safe water is available for all residents.“Once complete, we’ll finally be able to provide clear water for everyone,” Cabrera adds.“This will be foundational for our community’s health and quality of life, as well as for the new housing and businesses we hope to attract.” Road maintenance presents another hurdle. With a small population, San Joaquin’s state and federal funding allocations are limited, often insufficient for the extensive repairs the city’s roads require. “With more housing developments on the horizon, we’ll need to prioritize roadwork to support this growth,” Cabrera explains. “It’s an ongoing challenge, but one we’re committed to addressing as we continue expanding our community.” TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION Transportation in San Joaquin is another concern, their lives and achieve their dreams.” This includes families who may be undocumented or have migrated to San Joaquin seeking new opportunities. Hernandez adds,“We have an obligation to help these families find a place in our community where they can feel secure, raise their children, and thrive.” LAYING THE GROUNDWORK To support its vision for growth, San Joaquin has been upgrading its infrastructure with significant investments in water and sewer systems. Cabrera reports,“Our sewer system has undergone extensive upgrades, and our wastewater treatment plant now can support a community twice our size.” However, water quality remains a critical concern. Manganese in the water has led to discoloration, with water sometimes appearing tea-like. This issue affects residents’ daily activities, from washing clothes to cooking. “Manganese in the water may seem like a small inconvenience, but it disrupts basic day-to-day tasks,” Cabrera says. Since 2015, the city has sought funding THE FUTURE OF CLEAN ENERGY intersectpower.com 59 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 12 SAN JOAQUIN, CA
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