A water treatment plant that has been dormant for the past 12 years will come back online as a drought-response measure, as the federal government recently authorized $37.5 million to reopen it.

The Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility will treat an average of 4 mgd.

“Once this plant is reactivated, it will make sure Tempe can provide our residents with clean and reliable water supply . . . for years to come,” U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton said, according to KTAR News.

Arkansas Woman Dies After Trying to Save Boy From Storm Drain

A woman who recently attempted to save an 11-year-old boy who was swept into a storm drain has also died, according to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

The boy died Aug. 29 after being pulled into a storm drain in Bentonville, Arkansas, after being pulled down 675 feet of underground pipe. A 47-year-old woman who was at the scene went into the storm drain in an attempt to rescue the child, and was recovered eight minutes after first responders arrived and transported to a local hospital.

New York Gov. Announces Critical Sewer and Water Infrastructure Funding

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced more than $232 million to seven municipalities for drinking water and sewer infrastructure projects that are crucial to protecting public health and the environment. The previously announced grants and low-cost financing packages approved by the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors will support water infrastructure projects totaling more than $763 million.  

The financial assistance includes short-term financings and previously announced grants that will provide capital to local governments to help get shovels in the ground for critical projects. The board also approved various long-term financing conversions that provide interest relief for completed projects and help reduce debt for municipalities.