In this episode of the Full Circle Podcast, host Riki Clark is joined by Don Patterson, Director of Finance and Administration at Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, for an insightful discussion on the financial intricacies behind the Pure Water Project. Don shares key updates on the project's budget, now estimated at $466 million, and explains how inflation, labor, and material costs have influenced the increase from the original $364 million. Tune in to learn how the JPA is navigating funding sources like WIFIA loans, state revolving funds, and grants to minimize ratepayer impacts while ensuring future water reliability. Ricky and Don also discuss the challenges of competing for resources in California's growing water infrastructure market and highlight how ratepayers can contribute to cost control by becoming more efficient water users. This episode offers an essential breakdown of the economic forces behind water infrastructure and why every dollar spent today ensures sustainable access to clean water tomorrow. **Timestamps:** - 00:00:00 - Intro: Cost update and comparison with past estimates - 00:00:53 - Host Ricky Clarke introduces Don Patterson, Director of Finance - 00:02:00 - Discussing the Pure Water Project’s five-year journey and cost changes - 00:04:13 - New price estimate: $466 million for the Pure Water Project - 00:06:08 - Explaining the rise in construction costs and economic impacts - 00:08:19 - Price escalation and its impact on project costs - 00:10:36 - Funding sources for the Pure Water Project - 00:14:00 - State revolving fund and Bureau of Reclamation grants - 00:16:34 - Local Resource Program and its importance for long-term savings - 00:18:06 - Breaking down the impact on ratepayers' bills - 00:22:33 - Discussing the total ratepayer impact: $8/month increase - 00:24:56 - The current funding environment and interest rates - 00:27:13 - Importance of the JPA partnership in securing competitive funding - 00:30:03 - How ratepayers can minimize cost impacts through efficient water use - 00:32:45 - Closing remarks and team shoutout #PureWater #WaterConservation #Sustainability #FullCirclePodcast