Riverside County seeks emergency funding after flash floods

Riverside County has proclaimed an emergency to assist local governments seeking recovery funds for damages to public infrastructure caused by the latest storms and flash flooding.

Officials said initial estimates of damage to public infrastructure were not expected to meet the threshold typically registered for a federal emergency declaration, which is $7.5M, but the damage amount stands at $6.5M as of Tuesday.

“The storms caused extensive property damage that is nearing the criteria required for a federal disaster declaration,” said Supervisor John Benoit. “The threat we face with impeding storms that can cause additional damage has warranted this emergency proclamation. Although there is no guarantee that we’ll be approved for recovery funds, we are pursuing every opportunity that might be available to help our local governments,” Benoit concluded.

Severe storms on September 8 and 9 caused flooding, road closures, swift water rescues, mud and debris flows and property damage in the Coachella Valley and western Riverside County.

Over the past week, the Office of Emergency Services worked with cities, schools, tribes, water districts, county departments and other partner agencies to determine the amount of damage caused by the storms, officials said in a release.

Direct impacts to the county include more than $470,000 in damage and cleanup to county roads, and more than $170,000 in damage to Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area. Officials said the city of La Quinta reported more than $3M in damages, and the city of Riverside reported over $400,000 in damages.

Additionally, the Coachella Valley Water District reported more than $2.2M in damages.

Riverside County is requesting relief for damages to public infrastructure through a state emergency proclamation, presidential disaster declaration, Small Business Administration disaster declaration and California Disaster Assistance Act funds.

If the state and federal government provide recovery funds, local governments could apply to be reimbursed 75% of the expenses. County officials said approval of reimbursements would be made on a case-by-case basis.

For the time being, the proclamation isn’t applicable for individual assistance. Private property owners that have damage can report it to the Office of Emergency Services at 951-955-4700, or to their city.

The release said the extent of damage to homes is still below the threshold typically required for federal emergency declarations.

Tuesday’s emergency proclamation was signed by County Executive Officer Jay Orr, when the Board of Supervisors wasn’t in session. The board will consider the proclamation at next week’s meeting.