Rep. Obernolte secures $11 million for CA-08 projects including $1 million for Yucaipa’s Wilson III Basin Project

U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-08) secured $11 million in funding for projects in California’s 8th District that passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of this week’s major appropriations package. The funds included $1 million for the Wilson III Basin Project in Yucaipa.

“California is seeing worsening drought conditions across the state, and it is critical that we take every opportunity to better manage our precious water resources, especially where we can do so by reducing flood risks and making our towns and communities safer,” said Rep. Obernolte. “Yucaipa’s Wilson III Basin Project will reduce the risk of flooding in the community, improve water quality, and add an additional 1,000 acre feet of water into the aquifer every year.”

“The Wilson III Basin Project is a critical component of the City’s plan to eliminate the 100 year flood plain in our Community while at the same time providing for enhanced groundwater recharge. Congressman Obernolte’s efforts to assist the City in those efforts is very much appreciated by the entire Community,” said Yucaipa Mayor Greg Bogh.

The Wilson III Basin Project is a critical part of Yucaipa’s efforts to limit flood risk within city limits and reduce the Wilson Creek floodplain. The project will protect residents from flooding, control sediment and debris in the drainage system, improve water quality and provide additional opportunities for groundwater recharge that are estimated to add 1,000 acre feet of water into the aquifer annually through passive recharge. The project is also designed to facilitate thousands of acre feet of additional active recharge annually, providing an important water capture resource for the surrounding community.