Rep. Aguilar Delivers Wins to Strengthen Inland Empire Water Infrastructure, Promote Environmental Conservation and Protect Jobs

Highlights include over $85 million authorized for crucial water and flood infrastructure projects in the Inland Empire and expanding federal support for water scarcity management

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured key provisions in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026 to strengthen water, sewer and flood control infrastructure in the Inland Empire, protect logistics jobs tied to the Port of Los Angeles and ensure the resiliency and conservation of the region's water supply.

"From our schools to our hospitals, homes, businesses and more, so much of California's daily functions and quality of life depend on the reliable delivery and management of water," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "I am proud of my work to help upgrade our region's water and flood infrastructure, support good-paying logistics jobs and ensure the dependability of our water supply for generations to come. I'll keep fighting for more resources to boost our economy and keep Inland Empire families safe and healthy."

"The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency thanks Congressman Pete Aguilar for his leadership in securing authorization of $67.5 million for water and wastewater infrastructure projects in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties in the Water Resources Development Act of 2026," said Robert Ybarra, President, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency. "This authorization gives the Inland Empire a federal partner in building the water infrastructure our region needs to keep pace with sustained population and economic growth, and to help address California's housing affordability crisis, which no region can solve without the water supply to serve new homes. It positions SGPWA to partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on our Backbone Water System project, which will extend our transmission pipeline roughly 30 miles east and add groundwater recharge capacity, delivering a more reliable, drought-resilient supply to the families and communities that will one day call this area home. Congressman Aguilar has been a consistent advocate for the region's water security, and the Agency looks forward to continuing to work with him and the California delegation to see this authorization signed into law and this project through to completion."

"Flood control projects like Cable Creek and City Creek are important investments that help protect homes, businesses and public infrastructure in the San Bernardino communities within the Fifth District," said Joe Baca, Jr., San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor. "We appreciate Congressman Aguilar's continuous partnership in moving these projects forward and bringing federal resources directly to the communities that will benefit from them."

"San Bernardino County is grateful to Congressman Aguilar for his continued leadership in securing critical federal resources for our region," said San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. "This WRDA funding is an important investment in our flood control infrastructure and will help advance critical improvements that support the long-term safety and resilience of our communities. We appreciate his continued partnership and commitment to San Bernardino County."

"This $20 million authorization as part of WRDA represents a significant opportunity for Colton, particularly when federal funding for individual projects is often implemented in much smaller annual increments," said Chad Blais, Public Works and Utility Services Director, City of Colton. "For our community, this is about replacing aging pipes, reservoirs and critical equipment so our residents and businesses can continue to count on safe, reliable water and wastewater services every day. We are grateful to Congressman Aguilar for advocating for Colton and helping us pursue federal resources at a scale that can make a real difference, stretch our local dollars further and reduce the long-term burden on our ratepayers."

"San Bernardino Valley appreciates the display of Congressional leadership with approval of WRDA 2026 including establishment of an Office of Water Supply, Water Conservation and Drought Resiliency," said San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District CEO/General Manager Heather Dyer. "The new office paves the way for enhanced collaboration at the regional and federal levels to support water supply, conservation, and drought resiliency."

Every two years, Members of Congress can advocate for water resources and infrastructure needs in their districts by authorizing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works projects in the Water Resources Development Act. Rep. Aguilar worked with local stakeholders to secure water infrastructure project authorizations and policy changes in WRDA 2026 to meet urgent needs in California's 33rd Congressional District. Rep. Aguilar's wins passed as part of the larger WRDA 2026 in the full House of Representatives with bipartisan support on September 16, 2026 and now await action by the Senate. A summary of Rep. Aguilar's wins for the Inland Empire in WRDA 2026 is below.

Strengthening San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency's Infrastructure

This project is included as part of a $65.7 million authorization Rep. Aguilar secured that will allow the San Bernardino County Flood Control District to strengthen flood protection infrastructure and ensure reliable water delivery for 700,000 Inland Empire residents. This will allow the San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency to build a 610-foot tunnel to protect the at-risk Foothill Pipeline and prevent future failures that could cut off water service to hospitals, schools and emergency services. Additionally, the funding supports the construction of the Backbone Water System Pipeline, a 30-mile water pipeline and groundwater recharge facilities to better conserve and protect the Inland Empire's water supply in both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

Upgrading San Bernardino's Cable Creek Channel

Also included in the $65.7 million authorization Rep. Aguilar secured, this project will allow San Bernardino County to upgrade more than half a mile of the Cable Creek Channel between Magnolia Avenue and Palm Avenue to withstand severe flooding and better protect nearby San Bernardino neighborhoods. Once complete, the project will help reduce the risk of flash flooding, prevent property damage and improve the community's long-term safety and stability.

Improving San Bernardino's City Creek By-Pass Channel

Further included in the $65.7 million authorization Rep. Aguilar secured, this project will allow San Bernardino County to upgrade the City Creek By-Pass Channel, strengthening flood protection infrastructure in underserved neighborhoods in San Bernardino. The County will upgrade 0.75 miles of the existing flood control bypass channel along Tippecanoe Avenue to Palm Lane, improving safety and reducing the risk of life-threatening flooding.

Upgrading City of Colton's Water and Sewer Infrastructure

Rep. Aguilar secured a $20 million authorization for the City of Colton to upgrade its aging water, sewer and wastewater infrastructure to ensure reliable water delivery and treatment for more than 65,000 Inland Empire residents. The City of Colton will make much-needed improvements to its water reservoirs, water booster stations, water lines and wastewater treatment plants. Once complete, the project will ensure the reliability of the City's water and sewer infrastructure for years to come.

Ensuring Major Ports like the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Receive Stable Funding

Rep. Aguilar secured changes to WRDA 2020 Section 102, helping to ensure that major donor ports like the Port of Los Angeles receive fair and stable funding for harbor maintenance. The Port of Los Angeles is the nation's largest container port and sustains thousands of trucking, logistics and manufacturing jobs in the Inland Empire. By ensuring donor ports like it and the Port of Long Beach receive adequate, predictable funding, it will support more stable employment for workers whose jobs depend on efficient cargo movement and well-maintained port infrastructure.

Creating an Office of Water Supply at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Rep. Aguilar advocated for the creation of an Office of Water Supply at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) dedicated to addressing water scarcity and filling a critical gap in federal resources and support. This office will be crucial for regions that deal with water supply issues like the San Bernardino Valley, offering local governments a dedicated federal point of contact to help them navigate future challenges.