The drought, now in its 5th year (though prominently noted last year), got a bit of a reprieve in January as El Nino’s rains poured down. February; however, saw unseasonably hot and dry weather. High temperatures broke records last month and the dry spell doesn’t yet have an end in sight.
As California continues to struggle under hot and dry conditions, many industries are challenged because of the severe conditions. Hydroelectric power has been reduced due to the drop in water levels leading to an increase in natural gas use. Construction has been continuing and with the opening of a new indoor water park and hotel resort, Southern California has another destination for tourists.
In December, San Diego County entered into a new era for water use when the largest ocean desalination plant opened in Carlsbad. As a model for the state, the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant gives San Diego County more control over their its own water supply and is protection against the current and future drought conditions. This plant could be the first of many throughout the state if the drought continues. The second plant is being planned for Huntington Beach and is currently in the permit process.
Drought or no drought the NFL is coming back to Los Angeles with the relocation of the Rams and the possible relocation of the Chargers (although now the Chargers owner might be thinking of staying in San Diego). Building a new stadium (or two) will be a big win for L.A. and San Diego if the Chargers can get a new stadium approved – they have a year to decide what their best move is.
Since our last post on the drought things have remained close to the same in the industrial sector. Manufacturing is still moving along and has seen an increase since the start of the year. Basics and durable goods (food, cars, and furniture) recorded the highest gains in output and the analysts expect U.S. manufacturing to be unaffected by overseas trends.
The drought may be with us a while longer, but it isn’t slowing down industrial production. Because of this, Base Construction continues to provide process piping, concrete, and structural steel capabilities to all areas of manufacturing in the Southern California area. We specialize in designing, building, and installing piping systems for a wide range of industries and have the experience and the knowledge to handle challenging projects in times of challenging conditions.