The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors got a jump on winter by unanimously approving the purchase of eight pieces of heavy snow-removal equipment.
The action provides the county Department of Public Works with $2.5 million to fund the purchase of up to four large front loaders and four skid-steer snow blowers with attachments to serve the Rim communities, Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls.
The equipment will allow the county to immediately respond to natural disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, flooding, mudslides and excessive snow.
The funding was made possible by the strong advocacy of State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Redlands) and Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), both of whom serve the mountain communities.
“We are very grateful to Senator Ochoa Bogh and Assemblyman Lackey for this state budget funding,” said 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, the chair of the board of supervisors. “During the winter storm, these two extraordinary lawmakers helped bring state resources to help the county and our residents. This new equipment will greatly improve our capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters and emergency situations in the future.”
“This state funding is a long-term investment in public safety and emergency response for the mountain communities in my district,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “I’m glad to work with the county to ensure that we are fully prepared for the next big storm.”
Assemblyman Lackey added, “I am pleased to deliver this state budget funding to the county so we can make sure we’re ready for any natural disaster that may befall our mountain residents. In such difficult mountain terrain – whether it’s a blizzard, wildfire, earthquake or landslide – it’s essential to have the equipment on the mountain and ready to go to work. I hope this funding will help all residents in the mountains be better protected from future emergencies.”
Front loaders are critical during heavy snowfall to lift several feet of snow off roads, which cannot be removed with snow plowing. They can also be used during wildfires, flooding, mudslides, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Skid-steer snow blowers come with several attachments that allow them to not only effectively remove snow, but to also clear debris and excavate creeks and channels.
This investment will help ensure that appropriate equipment is in place to rapidly respond to future emergencies.
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