Rolling Hills Estates receives $750K in federal funding to upgrade stormwater infrastructure
Rolling Hills Estates will receive $750,000 in federal funding to upgrade aging stormwater infrastructure and reduce flood risks following years of severe rainstorms and land movement across the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The funding, secured by Congressman Ted Lieu and included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act signed into law last week, will support repairs to old storm drains and construction of a new system designed to divert stormwater away from vulnerable areas.
“Southern California has been getting hammered by severe rainstorms, which is stress testing our region’s critical infrastructure,” said Rep. Lieu in a press release. “Heavy rains in communities like Rolling Hills Estates can lead to dangerous and destructive flooding and land movement. This is why I fought for and secured the federal funding for Rolling Hills Estates to improve their storm water infrastructure. By repairing old storm drains and installing a new system to divert storm water, we can curb the harmful impacts of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding we’ve seen in the last few years.”
City leaders say the investment arrives at a critical time. Rolling Hills Estates and neighboring communities, including Rancho Palos Verdes and Palos Verdes Estates, have experienced recurring infrastructure failures and property damage linked to intense winter storms. In 2023, land movement on Peartree Lane caused extensive damage and red-tagged multiple homes, while Rancho Palos Verdes continues to face road failures, utility impacts, and damage to landmarks such as the Wayfarers Chapel.
In a statement, Rolling Hills Estates Mayor Debby Stegura emphasized that the project, “reflects the city’s commitment to both public safety and environmental stewardship.”
“By investing in our stormwater infrastructure, we are reducing flood risks, preventing system failures, and protecting waterways from storm-driven pollution,” Stegura said in a press release. “We are proud to advance this work with strong federal partnership and are grateful to Congressman Ted Lieu for his leadership in securing funding for this project in Rolling Hills Estates.”
The upgrades will include storm drain repairs and the installation of a dry-well system aimed at preventing stormwater from entering the Los Angeles Harbor. Local officials say the improvements will help build long-term resilience as extreme rainfall events continue to challenge stormwater systems across Southern California.
