“The project design is now 90% complete and we hope to break ground this coming fall,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson regarding the progress of the project. Pictured: Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales, Mayor Robertson, Congressman Pete Aguilar, and City Councilmember Joe Baca Sr.
“The project design is now 90% complete and we hope to break ground this coming fall,” said Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson regarding the progress of the project. Pictured: Mayor Pro Tem Andy Carrizales, Mayor Robertson, Congressman Pete Aguilar, and City Councilmember Joe Baca Sr. Credit: yourrialto.com

Asante-Ra 

The City of Rialto has received $2 million in federal funding to support its Lake Rialto habitat project. 

The program aims to create wetlands and wildlife habitats on a 10-acre city-owned property adjacent to the City of Rialto Water Treatment Plant. The lake will provide recycled water for itself and flow into the Rialto Channel, offering significant environmental benefits to critical species such as the endangered Santa Ana sucker and Arroyo chub. 

Congressman Pete Aguilar secured the funds for the project, which brings the raised funds to more than $5 million as of April 5, thanks to additional funding sources. An estimated $8 million is needed to complete the project. “Ensuring our residents can enjoy safe and clean open spaces for outdoor recreation is necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable community,” Aguilar said. “This funding I helped secure will help construct Lake Rialto, which will play a vital role in the environmental success of the Santa Ana River Habitat Conservation Plan.”

The Lake Rialto Habitat Project will create wetlands and wildlife habitats on a 10-acre city-owned property adjacent to the City of Rialto Water Treatment Plant, offering significant environmental benefits,  open spaces, walking trails, and environmental education programs.  (Image: City of Rialto).

Mayor Robertson expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Rialto residents can look forward to enjoying the lake’s open spaces, walking trails, and environmental education programs. Special programs for children will enable them to get a taste of the great outdoors right in their own city.”

The Lake Rialto project is not just environmentally beneficial, but also a welcome addition to the City of Rialto’s assets. The city has grown significantly in recent years with ongoing development projects, and Mayor Robertson is proud to say that the city “walks the talk” when it comes to planning environmentally sensitive development. 

“Support for this model of an urban water stewardship project is something all of our elected policymakers should be advocating. This needs to be at the forefront of their priorities,” Mayor Robertson emphasized. 

Santa Ana Sucker: The Lake Rialto habitat project will offer significant environmental benefits to critical species such as the endangered Santa Ana sucker and Arroyo chub. (image source: Twitter.com/Angeles_NF).

The Lake Rialto project is an example of how a community can prioritize both environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. With its abundant birdwatching opportunities and environmental education programs, the project is expected to be quite attractive to residents and visitors alike.

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