Hilary Damage To Top $126M In RivCo; Coachella Valley Hit Hardest

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — After Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25) took an aerial tour Thursday over the Coachella Valley to assess damage caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, he again urged President Joe Biden to make a major disaster declaration that could result in significant federal funding for the desert's cleanup.

The plea was made amid a proclamation that, in California, the Coachella Valley suffered the worst effects of Hilary.

"After seeing first-hand the significant damages caused by Tropical Storm Hilary, it is evident that our communities were impacted the most by the storm and need immediate access to federal and state funding to help them recover and rebuild," Ruiz said Thursday in a released statement. "I continue to urge President Biden to make a Major Disaster Declaration for Southern California and release the necessary federal funds for our communities."

On Thursday, Riverside County's executive office announced that Tropical Storm Hilary damages are expected to top $126 million countywide, but damage assessments are ongoing and the figure may go higher. Most of the devastation occurred in the Coachella Valley, though some mountain communities were also hit hard.

The toll includes more than $82 million to repair storm-damaged roads and bridges; nearly $26 million for water control facilities; nearly $17 million to assist private property owners; over $6 million for debris removal; and more than $3.4 million in emergency protective measures, according to the county.

"This is a natural disaster that caused significant damage to the 10 Freeway, to county roadways and to most of our Coachella Valley cities," said Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. The supervisor's district encompasses the Coachella Valley, though he urged all cities to report damages to the Riverside County Emergency Management Department so that officials can seek resources and assistance.

Rainfall rates during Hilary approached a 50-year storm for the Coachella Valley floor and in excess of a 1,000-year event in some mountain canyon areas, according to the county.

Ruiz's aerial assessment included Interstate 10 and Bob Hope Drive, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Coachella, Mecca, Desert Shores and the Salton City — areas in the Democratic congressman's district. His office released photos (see above) and video from the tour, which show desert communities and infrastructure besieged by sand, mud and damage.

Thursday's appeal to the president was not the first for Ruiz. On Sunday, he urged Biden to declare a federal state of emergency for Southern California, and on Tuesday he followed it up with a letter to the president signed by other Democratic lawmakers in Southern California. The letter urged Biden to send federal disaster assistance to the region.

"Tropical Storm Hilary has resulted in the flooding of homes, destruction of highways, derailment of trains, and damage to small businesses in our districts," the letter read. "Our region's infrastructure was not built to withstand these types of natural disasters."

A major disaster declaration by the president would provide a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including emergency and permanent work, according to Ruiz's office.

Related Aug. 24, 2023, articles:

• Major Sections Of Desert Hot Springs Roads Destroyed By Hilary
• Some Cathedral City Residents Allowed Into Their Flood-Damaged Homes

The Democratic lawmakers are not alone in their plea.

On Tuesday, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, along with other Republican representatives from California led a letter asking the president to approve a federal disaster declaration if he receives a request from Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Among the requirements for the federal declaration is an estimate from state officials on the amount and severity of damage to the public and private sector. Patch reached out to state officials for an update on figures.

On Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California to support Hilary's response and recovery efforts. Riverside County Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen declared a local emergency Monday for the entire county, and Coachella Valley cities followed suit.

The county of Riverside is seeking assistance from the governor's Office of Emergency Services for disaster recovery.

"This is truly a devastating disaster," Emergency Management Department Director Bruce Barton said. "But for all the damage, it's important to note that early on we encouraged residents to prepare. Residents took our warnings seriously and we had no reported loss of life. We have a lot of work to do to recover from Hilary, but minimizing loss of life is what is most important."

Prior to Hilary, a Feb. 14, 2019, storm was among the most costly in Riverside County history: damages exceeded $73 million, county officials said.