IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Levee damage in the Santa Ana River caused by heavy storms will soon be restored.
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have developed a plan that will ensure the levees will withstand major floods, according to a statement on the county’s website.
The project, expected to begin in mid-September, will take four years to complete. Army Corps has secured $36 million to pay for the repairs, which will primarily protect residents of Riverside and Jurupa Valley and their properties, as well as homeless people who live in the riverbed.
“This project protects areas near the levees from future flood damage, including community areas and residential property,” said Colonel Julie Balten, commander of the corps’ Los Angeles district, in the statement.
Anyone living in the riverbed must vacate, along with their belongings, by Aug. 29.
“We are looking forward to beginning this long-awaited and vital public safety project,” said Jason Uhley district chief engineer and general manager, in the statement. “For the last year, we’ve partnered efforts with several agencies to work with those experiencing homelessness along the river for the safety of all impacted by the project. We have coordinated these efforts with supportive services and safety in mind.”
