Indian Wells Getting $5M To Upgrade Whitewater Flood Channel

The City of Indian Wells is getting 5 million dollars from American taxpayers, to upgrade the Whitewater Channel.

The federal grant will help pay for the Whitewater Channel Lining Project, to  bolster flood protection measures  downstream from the municipal golf course. Concrete channel lining will be installed on the north and south sides of the channel slopes. 

The channel lining will protect the slopes from erosion, lessening the impacts of sediment transport downstream from the project site.

The grant was part of a larger initiative known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, which secured more than 44 million dollars for projects in 41st Congressional District, which is represented by Congressman Ken Calvert.

The Whitewater Channel Lining Project will enhance the structural integrity of the Whitewater River Stormwater Channel, safeguarding Indian Wells against flood-related damages. The project will consist of the installation of approximately 7,400 linear feet of reinforced slope protection along the north and south slopes of the channel – a major flood conveyance system for the Coachella Valley with a total drainage area of 743 square miles. 

 “Riverside County continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the state and country, which is why we need additional resources to build long-overdue infrastructure projects for our residents,” said Congressman Calvert. “My staff and I have worked collaboratively with the Indian Wells City Council and staff to prioritize the Whitewater Channel Lining project to receive federal funding. This project will provide the community with much-needed protection from flood-related damage and facilitate economic development for the region.”

100 dollar bills growing in the grass.

Photo from Alpha Media Portland OR