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Congresswoman Young Kim and Senator Alex Padilla included funding for a Yorba Linda Water District (District) Heli-Hydrant in the $1.5 trillion federal appropriations package passed by Congress and signed by President Biden.
“In a wildfire, timely response is critical and can make the difference between life and death. Heli-Hydrants help our first responders save time and provide an effective, quality water source to fight wildfires and save lives,” said Congresswoman Young Kim. “I thank the Yorba Linda Water District for working with my office to secure vital funding that will help get this important project across the finish line to expand support to areas most susceptible to wildfires and ultimately save lives. I will continue to do all I can to ensure those on the front lines have every resource they need to protect the health and safety of our communities.”
A heli-hydrant saves firefighting helicopters critical time and increases efficiency by offering water access in areas most at risk for fires. The District strategically places them along the Wildland Urban Interface Zone, where homes sit next to Chino Hills State Park.
“The Yorba Linda Water District is pleased to expand access to reliable water for helicopters used in fighting fires,” said District President J. Wayne Miller. “We are grateful for the support of Congresswoman Young Kim and Senator Alex Padilla and look forward to working with them and the U.S. Forest Service to bring the needed resource to our community.”
Under the Community Project Funding program in the House of Representatives, members were allowed to submit ten requests for funding to be considered by the House Appropriations Committee. In the Senate, members requested Congressional Directed Spending items considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Through these programs, Congresswoman Kim and Senator Padilla secured $500,000 for a Heli-Hydrant the District will place in the Wildland Urban Interface Zone boarding Yorba Linda.
This will be the District’s third Heli-Hydrant. The District will work with local fire authorities to ensure this heli-hydrant will benefit their air operations. Learn more about the District’s Heli-Hydrants: https://www.ylwd.com/community/helihydrant/
