WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) proudly announced today that his district, the California 43rd Congressional District, will receive important appropriations funding for a water study within the Interior appropriations bill.  

The first award, in the amount of $150,000, was granted to the San Bernardino County Army Corps of Engineers for a Reconnaissance Study on the drainage of Wilson, Oak, and Lytle Creeks. The creeks, which flow south into the cities of Yucaipa, San Bernardino, and Colton, have been altered by urbanization, sand and gravel mining operations.  The study will investigate flood control and coincidental environmental restoration. 

“Water is obviously a very important resource to our rapidly growing area,” Baca said. “That is why it is important to conduct these studies to see if our water ways are not being damaged by overpopulation and overuse.” 

Baca was also notified that the appropriations funding he requested for a Native American scholarship program was included via specific language written into the Interior appropriations bill. The Washington Semester Indian Program, known as WINS, is a collaborative effort with American University in Washington, DC to place students in funded internship programs.  

“Access to quality education for every student is very important to me,” Baca said. “Programs like WINS are necessary to ensure that we are leaving no child behind, including Native Americans, when it comes to education.”