Angeles, San Bernardino Forests
to Receive Critical Funding

May 26, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, announced today that $15.8 million in emergency federal funding will be allocated to the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests for the repair of roads, trails, and facilities. Several roads in the forests were severely damaged by heavy rain and landslides in the wake of 2004-2005 winter storms.

“The damage caused by last winter’s storms was unprecedented. This funding will help fix forest roads and ensure that they are safe and accessible, especially for firefighters during the upcoming fire season,” Dreier said. “Even though the storm season is over, the damage from the mudslides remains. Getting construction crews in to rebuild and stabilize the roads is critical to preventing further damage to property in the mountains below.”

The funding was included as part of H.R. 2918, the 2005 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, which was approved by the Congress earlier this month and signed by President Bush on May 11, 2005. The bill provided $24.3 million in emergency funds for southern California’s four National Forests, the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino, although allocations for each forest were not included in the bill because cost estimates were not finalized. The Forests should receive the funds by May 27, 2005.

“The Angeles and San Bernardino forests are important recreational areas for Foothill residents and need to be safe for visitors. I applaud my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, especially Chairman Jerry Lewis, for recognizing that the situation in our forests required emergency funds,” Dreier concluded.