Local, state, and federal leaders joined community stakeholders to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Perris Valley Channel Lateral B, Stage 4 project — a $19.9 million flood control project that will increase flood protection to March Air Reserve Base (MARB) and adjacent properties in the City of Perris.
Led by the Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, the project will construct approximately 6,000 feet of underground storm drains along the southwesterly boundary of MARB. Once complete, the project will provide 100-year flood protection to the March Air Reserve Base runway and adjacent properties in the City of Perris.
“This project shows what’s possible when we work together,” said First District Supervisor Jose Medina. “By strengthening flood protection, we’re keeping our residents safe, supporting our local economy, and ensuring long-term stability for both our communities and our military partners at March Air Reserve Base.”
The event brought together Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), Commander Colonel Bryan M. Bailey (452nd Air Mobility Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, March Air Reserve Base), leadership from the March Joint Powers Authority, Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation District, and representatives from the Cities of Perris, Riverside, and Moreno Valley to celebrate the official start of construction on this long-planned regional flood protection project.
“This groundbreaking is an important step forward for our region,” said Congressional District 41 Representative Ken Calvert. “By investing in infrastructure that protects March Air Reserve Base and our surrounding communities, we’re, supporting economic development and ensuring MARB remains mission-ready for decades to come.”
The project will collect stormwater runoff from the existing Perris Valley Channel Lateral B, Stage 5 near the Target Distribution Hub and convey it south to connect with the existing flood control channel at Heacock Street.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents more than just a construction project — it helps ensure the future of March Air Reserve Base,” said Jason Uhley, General Manager-Chief Engineer of the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. “Once complete, this system ensure the function of the Base during and after heavy rains and protect both existing and future developments adjacent to the Base within the City of Perris.”
