A series of actions to preserve the development of a water education center at Diamond Valley Lake were taken today by Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors.

Metropolitan’s board appropriated funds to cover existing debt and complete construction of a 23,000-square-foot building that housed the Center for Water Education at the lake’s east end in Hemet.  The board also decided to seek partners to potentially develop and operate a financially self-sustaining water education facility, which has been envisioned as a premier center that stimulates and promotes an awareness and appreciation of water-related issues.

At the same time, the Metropolitan board voted to terminate the district’s existing ground lease with the Center for Water Education, an independent, non-profit foundation that initially planned, designed and oversaw construction of the educational facility.  Metropolitan will consider keeping the educational facility in operation on a part-time basis.

“These actions continue to demonstrate our interest and role in educating the public about the history and importance of one of the region’s most precious natural resources—water,” said Metropolitan board Chairman Timothy F. Brick.
“We have, however, found it necessary to protect a valuable public asset, while remaining fiscally responsible to water ratepayers throughout Southern California,” Brick said.

The actions follow recommendations made by an ad hoc work group of Metropolitan directors that was created by the board late last year to assess the financial situation of the Center for Water Education after the district became aware that liens had been filed by contractors.

In a report to the board’s executive committee last month, the four-member work group found that a series of unforeseen events, including construction delays and increased costs for building materials, had driven actual construction costs above original estimates.  The work group also concluded that the center did not have—and was unlikely to raise in the future—sufficient funds to complete construction and operate the facility.

“As we move ahead, we plan to work closely with not only the Center for Water Education’s board, but with local officials to make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Metropolitan board Vice Chair Marcie Edwards, who served on the work group.

“Ultimately, we believe a self-sufficient water education and research facility continues to have potential at the Diamond Valley Lake complex,” Edwards said.  “But at this point, we need to take immediate action to ensure Metropolitan’s significant public investment is protected.”

Based on the work group’s recommendations, which were endorsed by the board’s executive committee, Metropolitan’s board today appropriated $4.67 million from the sale of surplus residences near Diamond Valley Lake to pay off the center’s existing debt, complete construction and maintain the building.

The board also directed district staff to seek out proposals from other educational entities that may wish to partner with Metropolitan to develop a self-sustaining educational facility that would not place extensive financial burdens on the district and its ratepayers.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage, and other resource-management programs.