Palm Springs City Council reviews storm damage

Palm Springs city council discussed response to Thursday’s storm and their progress in repairing damaged roads and property.

“None of us woke up Thursday expecting almost four inches of rain,” said councilmember Lisa Middleton.

Between road repairs and clean up, city buildings damaged and part of Tahquitz Creek Golf Course destroyed, the city is estimating more than a million dollars worth in damage.

“We’re (estimating) $600,000 to $700,00 in road cleanup and repairs. Easily $250,000 in building repairs and the golf course has been significantly damaged, which will be a million dollars, plus lost business revenues,” said one city leader during Wednesday night’s council meeting.

Some councilmembers also raised public safety concerns over traffic and road closures, including Indian Canyon.

“For anyone in Desert Hot Springs, when this emergency hit, their ability to get to local hospitals were tremendously at risk,” said Middleton.

The city is also dealing with compromised emergency access to the Araby Cove community with the current closures of Araby Dr. Palm Springs Fire Chief explained a response plan but admit the closure will slow deployment.

“The attack units are what we use for wildland fires. We have two of those we feel comfortable going into that area,” said the Fire Chief.

Staff with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway also announced road repairs are expected to begin before the weekend, if weather permits.

Councilmembers say the hope to be granted emergency funds from the state or federal government to recover from the destructive storm.

“We’re doing everything we can to get the information to the county and to the state to see if the governor will declare a disaster,” said Marcus Fuller, assistant city manager.