New federal funding will support four San Diego projects, including drainage improvements in Southcrest, the site of major flooding during a winter storm in 2024.
The allocation of $4.36 million, included in the fiscal year 2026 spending package recently passed by Congress, was secured by two San Diego Democrats, Rep. Scott Peters and Rep. Juan Vargas.
The key project would boost stormwater infrastructure along Beta Street, where flooding displaced residents two years ago, prompting a flurry of lawsuits as victims accused the city of failing to properly maintain drainage systems.
Mayor Todd Gloria, in a news release, called such an investment “long overdue, and critical to protecting our neighborhoods and reducing flood risk.”
The funding, the city said, will be split among four stormwater improvement projects, which each will receive approximately $1.1 million:
- Beta Street Channel and Storm Drain Improvement Project — enhancing drainage capacity for Chollas Creek and improve the drainage system to contain a 100-year storm event to prevent flooding in Southcrest and surrounding communities. The project includes a pump station, potential channel upgrade, flood resilience infrastructure and a trail improvement.
- Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project — restore natural habitat by re-vegetating the adjacent area. The proposal includes culvert improvements at Cadman and Woodman streets, upsizing the existing storm drain system upstream of Beacon Drive and culverts at 68th and 69th streets and widening the existing stream channel in multiple locations.
- Famosa Slough Alley Slope Restoration Project — address severe erosion in an alleyway that floods during rain, preventing further damage to nearby streets and neighborhoods.
- Pump Station D Component Upgrade – increase drainage system’s capacity by providing electrical, structural and mechanical improvements to the station to mitigate flood risks, lower costs and ensure power reliability.
Timelines for these projects can be found in the Stormwater Department Capital Improvement Project list for fiscal year 2026.
“This federal funding will go a long way towards helping to improve stormwater infrastructure, update drainage systems and reduce flooding risks in our communities,” Vargas said.
Peters added that the funds “will make our city safer, healthier, and better prepared for future weather events.”
The city submitted the community project requests as part of the Congressional Community Project Funding process, which allow members of Congress to target federal funds toward projects and programs that will address the most significant local needs.
Since the return of community project funding in fiscal year 2022, San Diego has received over $45 million to support critical infrastructure and initiatives throughout the city.
