Riverside County supervisors sign emergency declaration for federal funding

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has signed off an emergency declaration that will enable the county to seek state and federal aid to cover some of the repair bills from damage caused by flooding on September 8.

County Office of Emergency Services Director Peter Lent said the torrential downpours on Sept. 7 and the isolated thunder cells that pummeled the southwest county region on Sept. 16 had major impacts.

“We’re looking at them all as part of the same weather pattern, monsoonal or El Nino conditions,” said Lent.

Public property damage from the storms totals about $7 million. That figure does not include the roughly 75 homes countywide that have storm-related insurance claims pending.

“Any funds that are available out there, we want to make sure we get to
cover costs,” Lent told the board.

With the emergency proclamation, the county will be eligible to receive
recovery grants from the California Office of Emergency Services, the U.S.
Small Business Administration and other entities.

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.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will provide more information pending action from the state and federal government.

Look back at flood damage from 1 year ago