October 13, 2015
The first sewer lines in Parklawn, an unincorporated island south of Modesto, were installed in 2013 and a $4.5 million state grant covered a bulk of the cost for Parklawn’s 326 homes. Parklawn’s failed septic tanks caused sanitation problems for years, prompting a 2004 lawsuit settled in 2011.
“It is a great victory,” said attorney Marisol Aguilar of California Rural Legal Assistance, which represented Parklawn residents. “We are proud of the work we have done and the way the county has responded. For decades, the residents have been diligent and consistent in asking for what they need.”
20 residents have called CRLA expressing interest in sewer services. Homeowners can pay for materials and put in the service connection and demolish septic tanks themselves or hire a contractor. Low-interest loans from the Stanislaus County Housing Authority allow families to pay over several years.
Organizations mentioned/involved: California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. (CRLA)