Costa Mesa Sanitary District Receives Nearly $500,000  in COVID-19 Relief Funding

(Costa Mesa – CA) The Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) announced it will receive $485,395 in COVID-19 relief funding from the California Department of Finance’s $100 million Relief program, which has been made available to independent special districts by the State Legislature and Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021-22 State Budget.

The appropriation of $100 million in one-time funding is intended to provide fiscal assistance to independent special districts for revenue loss and/or unanticipated costs incurred due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  The money received by CMSD from the State will be used to offset costs for solid waste programs and sewer maintenance and capital expenditures.

“We are extremely grateful for support from our legislative representatives, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and Senator Dave Min, and to Governor Newsom for this funding,” said CMSD Board President Bob Ooten. “The funding will ensure CMSD is providing critical solid waste and sewer collection services in our community,” Ooten said.

Since March 2020, California special districts have provided essential services to their local communities, maintained a large portion of the state’s critical infrastructure, and employed thousands of front-line workers, but these districts initially received none of the COVID-19 funding available to cities and counties through the Federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The California Special Districts Association (CSDA), a not-for-profit association representing more than 2,000 independent special districts, had communicated regularly with the Governor’s administration and met with numerous legislators to discuss the significant impacts to special districts during the pandemic. Through CSDA and the efforts of its member districts, the Legislature and Governor ultimately recognized these impacts and subsequently allocated $100 million from the State General Fund, specific to special districts.

“Special districts are addressing our biggest statewide challenges, all at the local level,” said Neil McCormick, CSDA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We applaud Governor Newsom and our Legislature for recognizing this and responding to our requests for partnership. Special districts make a difference throughout California and this funding will make a difference in the communities special districts serve,” McCormick said.

About CMSD: Formed in 1944, CMSD is an independent special district that provides solid waste and wastewater collection services to a population of approximately 116,700 in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and unincorporated Orange County. For more information and the latest CMSD news, visit www.cmsdca.gov and follow CMSD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To get in touch with CMSD staff, email info@cmsdca.gov or call (949) 645- 8400.