San Bernardino County to get $99 million for flood control projects

San Bernardino County is set to get $99 million for flood control projects via a new federal water bill, officials announced Thursday.

The Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA, reauthorizes funding for the Army Corps of Engineers and supports four major water infrastructure projects in the county. The bill, known as HR 8812, passed the House of Representatives July 22 in a 359-13 bipartisan vote.

The legislation also directs the Army Corps to conduct extensive feasibility studies on three county projects.

“Flood control infrastructure is vital to protecting the lives and property of our residents,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “We greatly appreciate our federal lawmakers for supporting the County and helping us to complete these important projects. These federal dollars are a worthy investment in the region for decades to come.”

Rep. Norma Torres, D-Pomona, secured $24 million for completing the Magnolia Storm Drain Project, which calls for 6,500 feet of new drainpipe installed along streets in Chino and Ontario in an attempt to alleviate flooding.

Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Big Bear City, supported a $35 million project to rehabilitate the Cedar Glen water system.

“This major overhaul will improve reliability and water quality by replacing the existing pipes and an aging reservoir while repairing a water conveyance tunnel,” according to the county statement.

Obernolte also supported an Army Corps feasibility study for the Bandicoot Flood Control Basin that aims to help prevent flooding in Hesperia.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Redlands, backed the county on several projects, directing $20 million to finish a storm drain project in the unincorporated area of Bloomington.

Aguilar also advocated for two feasibility studies in the bill — one for the Rialto Channel and the other for the Del Rosa Channel in the city of San Bernardino.

The bill is now in the Senate, which has not yet passed its version of the WRDA, but lawmakers are hopeful a final bill will pass Congress by the year’s end.