Core Insights - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected the Mojave Groundwater Bank – Northern Pipeline Project to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $194 million under the WIFIA program, aimed at funding capital costs for significant water infrastructure projects [1] - The project is expected to enhance water supply flexibility and drought resilience for millions of Californians by interconnecting the Colorado River and California State Water Project systems [1] - The company plans to finance the project through a combination of equity capital, government grants, municipal financing, and low-interest debt programs, including WIFIA [1] Funding and Financial Structure - The EPA has reserved $194 million for the Northern Pipeline Project, allowing the company to advance its application through the WIFIA underwriting process [1] - The company is also in discussions with private equity investors to secure up to $400 million for the project, alongside a $51 million investment from Lytton Rancheria as part of a larger $450 million equity capital raise [1] - The financing strategy includes seeking additional WIFIA funding for the Southern Pipeline and other project components [1] Project Overview - The Mojave Groundwater Bank is a conjunctive-use groundwater storage project located in southeastern California, designed to store an estimated 30 million acre-feet of groundwater [1] - The project is approved to provide a reliable annual supply of up to 75,000 acre-feet per year, in addition to one million acre-feet of imported water storage capacity [1] - The project aims to address the impacts of climate change on clean water access through innovative water supply, storage, pipeline, and treatment solutions [1]

Core Insights - Cadiz Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement with Lytton Rancheria for up to $51 million in capital to fund the Mojave Groundwater Bank project, which is anticipated to be the largest groundwater bank in the Southwest [1][2][3] Financing Details - The agreement follows a Letter of Intent from November 2024 and marks the first tribal investment in the project, contributing to a total equity capital raise of approximately $450 million through Mojave Water Infrastructure Company, LLC [2] - Cadiz can draw unsecured loan proceeds up to $51 million, with initial proceeds of about $15 million expected to reimburse development expenses and further draws planned for equipment deposits necessary for construction in 2026 [3][4] - In connection with the agreement, Cadiz will issue 600,000 shares of common stock as a commitment fee and 25,000 shares per $1 million funded on each draw, all under the effective Form S-3 shelf registration statement [5] Project Overview - The Mojave Groundwater Bank aims to provide a sustainable water supply and storage solution, addressing the impacts of climate change on water access [6] - The project is expected to be funded through a combination of equity investment, municipal debt, and government grants, with an additional $400 million in equity investment currently being sought [4]