Chino Basin water project getting $2.8M in federal grant money
The Inland Empire Utilities Agency is getting $2.84 million from the Department of the Interior to finish the Chino Basin Program.
The project will produce potable water for nearly 100,000 residents, according a release from Rep. Pete Aguilar’s office.
The money will go toward a series of water infrastructure projects that are “modernizing regional water supply, storage and delivery systems,” Aguilar said.
The program includes a 15,000 acre-foot treatment facility to store recycled water, new and upgraded wellheads to protect the quality of the water supply and connectors to increase the reliability of the storage system.
“The potential to receive funding through this competitive grant program moves IEUA and the region closer to a sustainable water future,” said Shivaji Deshmukh, general manager of the agency. “We look forward to expanding upon our water storage capabilities while remaining committed to water quality and efficiency as we serve our community.”
This grant is from the department’s WATERSMART Water Recycling and Desalination Planning Program. It’s funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Here’s a roundup of retail news you might have missed last week:
COSTCO CRACKDOWN >> The retailer is experimenting with ways to oust membership mooches. In an effort to weed out people who might be borrowing a membership from a friend or family member they don’t live with, Costco is implementing ID scanners at some stores. Shoppers spotted the scanners at a Washington state store and posted photos on Reddit. The retailer also started asking for shoppers’ membership cards along with a photo ID at the self-checkout registers. According to a CNN story, Costco’s chief financial officer said more people have been sharing memberships since the pandemic began in 2020.
Costco also introduced a new mega-chocolate-chip cookie, which replaced its popular churro. The cookie costs $2.49 and runs 750 calories. A single cookie is the size of a tea plate and about an inch thick.
BATTLE OF THE BURGERS >>
Fielding Buck reported that the Battle of the Burgers returned to Pechanga Resort & Casino on Saturday after a hiatus of more than five years. Restaurants in Temecula went burger-to-burger to see who had the best meat sandwich in town.
CLOSED TEMPORARILY >>
John Plessel reported that the Loving Hut at 345 W. Pearl Ave., Suite 100, in Redlands is closed until next month. It should reopen by Feb. 6. Madbun also closed late last year at the Cravings by 99 Ranch Market food hall in Chino. Fans will have to travel to Rancho Cucamonga, as the Asian restaurant has said it’s reopening at Haven City Market.
The business briefs are compiled, written and edited by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items to sgowen@scng.com. High-resolution images also can be submitted. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.