SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – Mojave Water Agency (MWA) broke ground, August 4, on the $6.3 million Mojave River Pipeline Traveling Screen Project in Phelan. 

The event marked a key step in the agency’s efforts to improve regional water reliability and sustainability.

“By restoring the Mojave River Pipeline and increasing recharge capacity, we’re preparing for both today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges,” said MWA president Rick Roelle.

The project, led by Nicholas Construction and Kennedy Jenks with design by Corollo Engineering, will install a traveling water screen facility to reduce moss and debris in the pipeline.

It also includes a two-acre recharge basin and expanded infrastructure to capture water in wet years.

Construction is expected to be completed by March 2026.

West Victorville and Phelan severely disadvantaged communities

Community members, officials, and water partners gathered at 11987 Duncan Road for the groundbreaking ceremony. 

The event included remarks from Roelle, project manager Tesfaye Demissie, and construction partners, emphasizing the project’s importance for West Victorville and Phelan, both severely disadvantaged communities.

The project is partially funded by $3.9 million from California’s Drought Relief Program and a federal grant secured by Congressman Jay Obernolte.