Hydroplaning, out-of-control cars could be a thing of the past in two areas of the city once $900,000 of the state’s $700 million water quality improvement money trickles into T.O.

In June 2007, the City Council identified several drainage problem areas and noted them in the city’s storm drain master plan. The problems include clogging, excess runoff, and mud and rock deposits on city streets. 

The money from the state will fix drainage problems at Wendy Drive and Lynn Road, where five new catch basins and new concrete pipe connections will be added to enhance stormwater removal.   Also to be improved is the area on Thousand Oaks Boulevard east of Erbes Road. A screened reverse catch basin, mechanical debris separator and concrete pipe connection will be added to capture overflow from the Caltrans storm drain and prevent sediment from entering the roadway.

The grant amount of $907,500 will cover the entire contract amount needed for the two drainage improvement locations.

  These two projects are part of the $700-million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and state funding that has been awarded or approved for loan for 160 water projects throughout California. The purpose of the funding is to stimulate the California economy, save and create jobs and protect public health and the environment.   “These water quality improvement projects will help stimulate local economies throughout California all while protecting our environment and public health,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier in November.

––Nancy Needham