Rep. Aguilar Delivers Over $1 Million to Improve Emergency Power Infrastructure and Wildfire Resilience in San Bernardino

Installing emergency generators will make San Bernardino's infrastructure more resilient in the event of a power disruption

SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) announced that he secured $1,145,144 in community project funding for the City of San Bernardino's Emergency Hazard Mitigation Infrastructure Resiliency project. The grant funding will strengthen the City's emergency power and water infrastructure and improve wildfire response by providing backup power generators and water booster pump stations and installing backup batteries for fifty traffic signals throughout the City, enabling them to continue operating during power disruptions.

The placement of emergency generators at the Verdemont and Meyers/Magnolia water booster pump stations will sustain water pressure if the primary power source is lost. This is particularly important for fighting wildfires, which can cut off the primary power source and otherwise put homes, businesses, and public infrastructure at risk. You can watch the full video of the press conference here.

"I'm proud to deliver more than $1 million for emergency water and infrastructure projects that will help reduce the impact of power outages and make it easier for first responders to do their job," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "The upgrades to these backup energy systems will reduce the disruptions residents and firefighters experience when we lose power, especially during disasters like worsening wildfires. I'll keep working in Congress to deliver federal investments in our infrastructure to improve the quality of life for families here in the Inland Empire."

"Today's announcement is about preparedness, resilience, and protecting San Bernardino residents and businesses," said Mayor Helen Tran, City of San Bernardino. "The funding from Congressman Aguilar helps us deliver safer streets, improved emergency response, and greater continuity during power outages and emergencies."

"Ensuring reliable water service for the residents and businesses that depend on us every day is our highest priority," said Toni Callicott, Board President, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. "The funding from Congressman Aguilar's efforts will strengthen the Water Department's ability to maintain essential services during power outages and emergencies and help provide water when and where most needed."

"The need for backup emergency power supply is expected to grow as severe fire and wind conditions become more frequent," said Miguel Guerrero, General Manager, San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. "It is critical that water systems acquire onsite alternative power sources as part of contingency planning and these permanent generators funded through Congressman Aguilar's advocacy will support water service continuity during emergency response operations, power outages, and natural disasters."

As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Aguilar secured $19.7 million for 15 projects in California's 33rd Congressional District in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.