Why this matters
The flooding that inundated Southcrest and other southeastern San Diego neighborhoods highlights both the city’s massive infrastructure problems, and the frustration of residents who live in historically under-resourced neighborhoods that bear the brunt of the long-running problem.
Beta Street in San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood, an area devastated by floods two years ago, will be getting more federal funds to further improve stormwater draining.
Congress passed a carve-out of $1.1 million in its latest spending package to fund an infrastructure project that would reduce the severity of flooding in the Southcrest community, city officials announced on Wednesday.
Plans include installing floodwalls, a new pump station, drainage system enhancements, re-grading and resurfacing of Beta Alley, modular wetland systems and improvements to the Southcrest Trails Park, according to a city report.
Through this $55.4 million project, the city intends to enhance the drainage capacity of Chollas Creek, one of the city’s many stormwater drain systems. Project improvements will take place within the boundaries of South Las Chollas Creek to the north, Interstate 5 to the west, South 41st Street to the east, and Birch Street to the south, according to the report.
During a severe storm on Jan. 22, 2024, the creek overflowed into homes along Beta Street near 38th Street. The floods caused millions of dollars worth of damages to homes, cars and other property, according to damage claims from property owners and residents.
The city expects to start construction in 2028 and complete the project in 2032.
Officials also plan to spend half a million dollars on upgrading drainage around the Southcrest Recreation Center and Park in a separate project, according to a city report that details preliminary project goals.
Hundreds of residents sued the city of San Diego after the 2024 storm, alleging it neglected to maintain the creek, such as clearing trash and debris. Many others filed millions of dollars worth of claims with San Diego County for the damages. In response to criticism, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the city experienced a “1,000-year storm” with a rain rate outside of its control.
Three other areas received federal funding for stormwater projects: the Jamacha Drainage Channel, Famosa Slough Alley Slope restoration project, and the Pump Station D component upgrade. Congress plans to spend a combined amount of $4.36 million toward all four projects.
Type of Content
News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.