Public Benefits & Dedications

The Carlsbad City Council found that “the desalination plant serves an extraordinary public purpose.”

Provides the project participants with a secure and reliable water supply for 30 years with two possible 30-year extensions.
Provides high quality drinking water that will compare favorably with existing water supplies.
Generates up to $2.4 million per year in increased property tax revenue.
Generates $2.0 million per year of tax revenue for infrastructure improvements in the Coastal Zone given the project’s location within the South Carlsbad Redevelopment Project.
Generates up to $2.9 million per year in increased business tax revenue.
2,100 construction jobs (Voluntary Project Labor Agreement with SD Building Trades – signed March 22, 2005).
400 new permanent jobs.

The project will advance the goals of the Coastal Act to maintain, restore and enhance public access and recreation and maintain, restore and enhance the marine environment through the dedication of more than 15 acres of lagoon and ocean front land for public purposes:

Hubbs site along the lagoon north shore will be dedicated for expansion of the fish hatchery, marine research and a public trail system along the lagoon.
Fishing Beach along the shore of Agua Hedionda Lagoon will be dedicated for public recreational and coastal access use.
Bluff Area on the west side of Carlsbad Blvd. will be dedicated for recreational and coastal access uses.
South power plant parking area (not shown) will be dedicated for public parking.

Download our PDF about the Agua Hedionda Lagoon and its many recreational and environmental benefits.