City Council Approves Major Flood Control Project for Riverside

During a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the development of a significant flood control project at the intersection of Bundy Canyon Road and Monte Vista Drive in Riverside County. Jason Farrick from the public works engineering department presented the plans for a 19-acre detention basin designed to alleviate flooding issues in the area, particularly affecting the Como, Wildemar Trail, and White Street neighborhoods, which are currently part of a FEMA floodplain.

The project, known as the Lateral C Stage 3 project, aims to collect stormwater runoff from upstream drainage areas, including the Canyon Ranch community. It will also involve the construction of 930 feet of underground storm drain extending to a nearby Caltrans culvert. This infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce flooding risks downstream of the freeway.

Farrick emphasized the project's importance, noting that it represents a crucial first step in addressing long-standing flooding concerns. Future phases of the project will include additional underground storm drains on the west side of the freeway, although these are not yet scheduled.

In addition to flood control measures, the project will also enhance Monte Vista Drive, incorporating two northbound lanes, a bike lane, and space for a future dirt-gravel trail. However, the design constraints necessitated by hydrology calculations limit the potential for traditional landscaping improvements along the roadway.

The city is currently awaiting the awarding of a contract for the project, which has been in development for several years. The council's direction on fencing options for the basin was also sought during the meeting, indicating ongoing community engagement in the project’s planning stages.