Corona, CA: Corona, Norco, Eastvale mayors lobbying for bridge funds

The mayors of Corona, Norco and Eastvale said Tuesday that together they are lobbying federal officials for money to build a new Hamner Avenue bridge over the Santa Ana River.

Norco is widening Hamner from two lanes to six north and south of the river in anticipation of the opening of the Silverlakes equestrian and sports park, now expected in 2012. The property is just north of the river.

Hamner also is a key route for residents in and out of Eastvale, which is to Norco's north. Hamner extends south into Corona.

Though the road is being widened, the bridge will remain at two lanes until the money can be acquired to replace it. The mayors said they have discussed the bridge with Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona.

"By building a larger bridge, it not only will handle the traffic but also the excess amount of water we get every few years," Norco Mayor Berwin Hanna said. "If that bridge washes out, we're all kind of paralyzed."

Hanna, Corona Mayor Stan Skipworth and Eastvale Mayor Adam Rush spoke at a meeting of the Corona-Norco Republican Women's Federated. They took questions about issues that affect the cities individually and as a Riverside County region.

Skipworth said it is important to speak with one voice to state and regional boards about transportation and economic development.

"We can't act exclusively of one another," Skipworth said. "The streets and roads don't go to the city limits and stop."

Rush grew up in Corona and lived in Norco for four years before settling in Eastvale, which became a city in October.

"One of the reasons Eastvale became a city is because we wanted a seat at the table at the inner workings of county government ... and get our fair share," Rush said.

The mayors plan to meet with each other at least four times a year.

Rush said that dialogue is important "to make sure we are working in each others' common interest and for the residents."

The mayors all agreed that redevelopment agencies provide an important service to their cities and said they oppose Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to eliminate them and redirect the money.