You can also follow the Mayor's updates on WLFT (Air Channel 30, Cox Cable 117 & Eatel Cable 130); Nextdoor, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
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Municipal Infrastructure = Quality of Place
Answers to Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About How Infrastructure Projects are Economic Development
The City of Baker is devoted to improving the water, sewer and gas systems in the City through various types of maintenance and general upkeep. We do this in order to maintain and improve infrastructure for current and future growth. These projects in particular, will be funded through the LA Community Development Block Grant Program (LCDBG). As you know we have talked about the LCDBG Grant the City received for Water System Improvements in the amount of $1,835,000 and we have talked about what those dollars are going to spent on. To briefly recap, those improvements are the replacement of the Mississippi St. Water Well, which was originally installed in 1959, as well as new chlorinators, top feeding of elevated water tanks, electrical and site work at Mississippi St., Debra St. and Lavey Lane well sites. The bidding process was completed in March of 2021.
In addition to these water well system improvements the city is also working on many other projects through the Public Works division – some of these are
• West Side Water System Improvements - New 1,000 gpm Water Well Along Groom Road & New 300,000 Elevated Water Storage Tank Along Groom Road
• PVC Gas Main Replacement Program - approximately 24,000 L.F. of PVC gas mains identified by Public Works in the City of Baker - new MDPE gas mains, gas valves, service lines and connections to existing gas meters
What we don’t discuss very often are the variety of ways municipal utilities are so much more than simply the services you require at your home or business. Municipal utilities, which are owned by the city they serve, exist to provide a public service to the citizens, businesses and industries of the community. Municipal ownership has the goal of providing the most cost effective and most reliable services. Other important points we must consider, you are shopping local with your municipal utility provider. This local ownership means that customers' utility dollars stay in the community, creating jobs and supporting the local economy. Local flexibility, reliability and quality service offered by municipal utilities are a major advantage for the community in attracting and retaining commercial and industrial customers. Jobs are created not only by the municipal service provider but also by the businesses attracted to a business-friendly environment. The ability to offer competitive rates not only makes the municipality attractive for residents, but also for business and industry to locate in it which also means that more dollars are available to spend on other goods and services, all of which boosts the local economy.
The mutually beneficial relationship of Baker utilities and being a resident and/or business owner in Baker is a vital part of our success story! We are glad you are a part of that!
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