More federal money for PFAS cleanup and other community projects is on its way to the Tucson area.
Congressman Juan Ciscomani says his office has provisionally secured $34 million dollars in federal funding in the coming fiscal year that will go toward various infrastructure projects in his district — which includes parts of the Tucson area and stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border.
That includes over $3 million for various water treatment projects in Tucson and the town of Marana nearby.
Natalie DeRoock, senior public information officer with Tucson Water, says $1.75 million of that will go toward reclamation efforts.
“Water that is treated to an extremely high level, but is not placed in the potable or drinking water system, but is used for parks, schools, and it really helps keep Tucson green in a sustainable way,” she said.
It’s a non-potable water source used for irrigation and other public works — part of the city’s larger water portfolio.
“As, you know, responsible desert dwellers, we’re always going to have to be attentive to the changing needs of the water environment and planning for the future,” she said. “So it’s just a necessary resource for us.”
The town of Marana is also receiving $1.75 million from the funding that will go toward the construction of a new water treatment facility for PFAS.
The human-made chemicals are liked to health issues like cancer and have been found in water supply systems around the world — including in the Tucson area.
