FRESNO (KMJ) — There's a problem with water infrastructure in Fresno – and one city council member wants either the state or federal government to help do something about it.
"I don't believe every avenue has been exhausted".
District 2 Representative Steve Brandau wants to put a block on Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin's plan to upgrade the city's water infrastructure.
He stood in front of the Downtown Fresno's old water tower Thursday morning – comparing the tower to the city's antiquated water system.
"We have a problem with water infrastructure – and until I know every avenue has been exhausted I'm not going to vote on this project. I've voted twice to support this project – I know that Fresno needs infrastructure".
He says more could be done to get grants from both the federal and state government to help cover the cost of the $429 million plan. He adds that he won't let the burden fall on ratepayers – and won't support the plan until every possibility has been investigated.
"I'm here to ask for that help".
He says $7.5 billion sidelined by Sacramento for water infrastructure projects across the state could be of use to people in Fresno – especially when the project will inevitably help other communities around the valley too.
Mayor Swearengin says she support's the Councilman's efforts to help reduce the overall cost of improving the city's water infrastructure – but either way the plan has to go ahead.
