FEMA Announces $1.6 Million for Repairs to
Cucamonga Valley Water District

July 14, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-CA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, today applauded an announcement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the Cucamonga Valley Water District will receive $1.6 million in Public Assistance funding for repairs to the Cucamonga Creek Diversion Facility damaged by last winter’s rain storms. The funding will reimburse the District for funds already spent on the repair project. The funds are part of a request made by the California Congressional Delegation, led by Congressman Dreier, in the wake of the damage incurred by the storms.

“This funding will be a tremendous help to the Cucamonga Valley Water District as they continue to recover from last winter’s storms,” Dreier said. “Rebuilding critical infrastructure like the Diversion Facility is vital to public safety. I’m very pleased FEMA has recognized the importance of this request and has come through with much needed funding.”

On February 4, 2005, President Bush declared San Bernardino County eligible for public and individual assistance at the request of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Congressional Delegation for damages that occurred during the late December and early January storms. The $1.675 million represents 75 percent of the projects’ total cost, with the state paying 18.75 percent and the Cucamonga Valley Water District paying the remaining 6.25 percent.

Dreier said this was yet another example of all levels of government successfully working together. He pointed to comments from both FEMA and California officials. “In keeping with our commitment to helping communities recover from the winter storms, FEMA has reimbursed the Cucamonga Valley Water District for eligible costs incurred to repair and replace critical infrastructure damaged by the storms,” said Federal Coordinating Officer David Fukutomi. Henry Renteria, director of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Office of Emergency Services added, “We recognize the impact of this winter’s storms on local budgets.”

Public Assistance categories for eligibility can include debris removal; immediate protective measures, including overtime pay for emergency workers; repair of roads and bridges; repair of water control facilities; repair of public buildings and equipment; repair of public utilities; and repair of recreational facilities such as parks.