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The International Center
for Water Technology has received a $1.8 million boost from the federal
government for the planning and preliminary construction on the first
phase of the $60 million center on the California State University,
Fresno, campus.
The project — a joint
venture between Fresno State and the San Joaquin Valley Water Technology
Cluster — is envisioned as a leading center for water research and
development.
"Our very long-term goal is
to make the Central Valley the Silicon Valley of water technology," said
Dan Clawson, project manager. "We want it to be a
magnet."
Clawson said architects are
working on the design and size of the project’s first building, expected
to be completed this year. The facility will provide water meter testing
for the agricultural market and independent certification for water
meters used by wastewater-treatment plants.
Job and
economic-development officials are hopeful that the ambitious plans for
making Fresno the hub of water technology will lead to more jobs and
growth in the industry. That’s also the desire of the San Joaquin Valley
Water Technology Cluster, an organization of more than 40 manufacturers
of water-related products. A majority of those companies are between
Bakersfield and Stockton.
"The International Center
for Water Technology is an exciting project for the San Joaquin Valley,
and this allocation will allow the project to move forward," said Fresno
State President John Welty.
Among those helping to
secure the $1.8 million allocation were Reps. George Radanovich,
R-Mariposa; Bill Thomas, R-Bakersfield; Cal Dooley, D-Fresno; and
Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
Project officials will
submit additional requests for federal funding and are working on
private donations. |
