Santa Clarita Gets Storm Damage Grant

The city has been awarded $531,000 in federal funds to repair drainage problems in the Sand Canyon area that were made worse by storm damage in February, 1992.

It is the largest award of $1.75 million set aside to remedy problems caused by the strong winter rains, according to Tom Mullins, public information officer for the California Office of Emergency Services.

The state agency is responsible for administering Federal Hazard Mitigation Program funds.

Santa Clarita will use the grant to improve drainage along Sand Canyon Road in the Live Oaks area, said Adele Macpherson, city emergency preparedness coordinator.

The storms caused major damage in Santa Clarita, including the flooding of mobile home parks. Much of Sand Canyon is plagued by poor drainage, a factor that actually improved its chances in the grant process.

“One of the primary criteria is to look at areas that have recurring problems,” Mullins said.

Santa Clarita is providing matching funds to obtain the grant and will ultimately spend $1.9 million to improve drainage along the road, Macpherson said.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials notified Santa Clarita of the award earlier this week. The city applied for the money in May, 1992.

“Because the city does not have to repay grants, these funds allow us an opportunity to pursue projects that otherwise may not be completed,” City Manager George Caravalho said.

Three other awards have been confirmed by FEMA.

Those awards include $479,000 to Chino and $215,000 to Oxnard for storm drain extensions and $5,000 to Los Angeles for education efforts.