YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Yosemite National Park broke ground on a new $239 million wastewater plant that they say will help the park remain “resilient for the next 50 years.”

On Thursday, Yosemite officials broke ground on the new El Portal Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is a transformative $239 million investment funded through the Great American Outdoor Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2020.

The project will upgrade the 45-year-old treatment plant that supports the wastewater system for Yosemite Valley, El Portal and nearby communities, as well as over 4 million annual visitors, 700 residents and hundreds of park and partner employees.

The outdated system is deteriorating and provides insufficient capacity, and components needed for its operation are hard to find due to the age of the existing plant, increasing the likelihood of damaging the environment – this new plant will treat up to 1 million gallons of wastewater per day, upgrading automation controls and improving system redundancy.

Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden says this project will also ensure the park remains resilient for the next 50 years.

“This project is essential to the continued protection of public health and the environment, and also to the future of visitor services and park operations in Yosemite,” said McPadden. “Upgrading this facility allows us to better safeguard the Wild and Scenic Merced River, serve our community and guests, support park concession operations, and ensure the park remains resilient for the next 50 years.” 

The project will also include the demolition of outdated structures and the rehabilitation of the former El Portal administrative camp to house construction crews in RV sites.

The project is expected to address approximately $156 million in deferred maintenance and repair needs across the wastewater system infrastructure and is expected to be completed by 2029.