The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes $45 million for the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Twentynine Palms, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Thursday (September 23). The proposed wastewater treatment facility is a project years in the making between the City of Twentynine Palms and the Marine Corp Air Ground Combat Center. Once completed, the joint project will protect area groundwater from contamination and provide a way to use recycled water to recharge groundwater. U.S. Congressman Jay Obernotle, who represents California’s eighth district, which includes the Morongo Basin, led key initiatives for this and several other NDAA projects at several military installations in the district.