State legislators provide $2.5M in funding for county storm equipment

San Bernardino County received $2.5 million in the 2023-24 state budget to purchase snow removal heavy equipment through the strong advocacy of Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Redlands) and Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale). This new equipment will serve the unincorporated Rim Communities, Angelus Oaks, and Forest Falls to immediately respond to natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, mudslides, and snow fall.

“We are very grateful to Senator Ochoa Bogh and Assemblyman Lackey for this state budget funding,” said County Board of Supervisors Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “During the winter storm, these two extraordinary lawmakers helped bring state resources to help the county and our residents. This new equipment will greatly improve our capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters and emergency situations in the future.”

“This state funding is a long-term investment in public safety and emergency response for the mountain communities in my district. I’m glad to work with the County to ensure that we are fully prepared for the next big storm,” Ochoa Bogh said.

“I am pleased to deliver this state budget funding to the County so we can make sure we’re ready for any natural disaster that may befall our mountain residents,” said Lackey. “In such difficult mountain terrain – whether it’s a blizzard, wildfire, earthquake, or landslide – it’s essential to have the equipment on the mountain and ready to go to work. I hope this funding will help all residents in the mountains be better protected from future emergencies.”

The County will purchase four large front loaders, one mid-size loader, and four skid-steer snow blowers for the unincorporated Rim Communities, Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls. Front loaders are critical during heavy snowfall to lift several feet of snow off roads, which cannot be removed with snow plowing. They can also be used during wildfires, flooding, mudslides, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Skid-steer snow blowers come with several attachments that allow them to not only effectively remove snow, but to also clear debris and excavate creeks and channels. This investment will help ensure that appropriate equipment is in place to rapidly respond to future emergencies.

Additional County Update News – September 29, 2023