From the Mayor's Desk

Regional Leaders Thank Congressional Delegation for Delivering $102 Million for Community Projects 

Funding secured for 69 projects in FY2024 appropriations bills. The delegation also delivered a key regional victory by securing $156 million to help address transborder water pollution.  

south bay international wastewater treatment plant

A bipartisan coalition of leaders from across San Diego County today expressed its appreciation for the efforts of San Diego’s congressional delegation, who secured $102.1 million across 69 local community projects in the FY2024 appropriations bills.  

The delegation also delivered a key regional victory by securing $156 million for the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) construction budget, a nearly threefold increase over the previous fiscal year that will put the IBWC on track to meet its goal to repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant to address transborder water pollution.  

“I want to thank San Diego’s Congressional delegation for continuing to advocate successfully for our City and our region. In a tough fiscal climate with a divided Congress, our representatives in Congress fought hard to ensure investments were made right here in San Diego, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “This year, our delegation delivered 12 community projects for the City totaling more than $14.3 million. From modernizing our stormwater infrastructure to building out our citywide bike network and expanding our successful Safe Parking Program, I know these investments will have a direct, positive impact on the lives of San Diegans.” 

The one-time community project funds will help fund various government, transit, planning and nonprofit entities finance infrastructure, library, park, public safety, childcare, and research projects throughout San Diego County.  

"These transformative projects will revitalize our communities by supporting our small businesses, enhancing our parks and libraries, and connecting our communities through transportation initiatives,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “I am grateful to the San Diego Congressional Delegation for their investment in these endeavors, which breathe new life into our communities and foster equitable change in our region." 

Since FY2021 when community projects were reinstituted, the congressional delegation has brought more than $430 million in funding, encompassing 146 projects, back to the San Diego Region.    

"The City of Encinitas strongly advocates for projects that make our roadways safer for all modes of travel," said Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz.  "Leucadia Boulevard is one of the city’s main east-west roadways.  Construction of a roundabout on Leucadia Boulevard at Hygeia Avenue instead of a stop sign will provide safer intersection control, improved aesthetics, and better pedestrian connectivity.  The roundabout will also reduce greenhouse gases by eliminating cars stopping and idling at a stop sign.  Encinitas is excited to have been granted funding for the construction phase of this long-awaited project so that we can get these important community improvements built."   

“We appreciate the efforts of our congressional leaders like Representative Mike Levin who prioritize bringing Federal funding back to the district, including small communities like the City of Del Mar, said Del Mar, CA Mayor Dave Druker. Stormwater and sewer infrastructure projects are critical to protecting the health and well-being of our residents and businesses, as well as reducing the risk of flooding. With California facing the ever-growing threats of climate change, it is paramount we invest in resilient infrastructure.” 

“The City of Solana Beach is grateful for Congressman Levin’s ongoing support for our Lomas Santa Fe Corridor Improvement project which will enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Solana Beach, CA Mayor Lesa Heebner. “The $850,000 appropriation secured by Congressman Levin and Senator Padilla includes a multi-purpose path along the entire Lomas Santa Fe Corridor from our eastern boundary to Highway 101, as well as dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks and medians to help slow traffic. This, our primary east-west corridor, will safely connect San Dieguito Regional Park to the San Elijo Lagoon Trail system, shopping, schools and of course, to our coast and beaches.” 

“On behalf of the City of San Marcos, we are extremely thankful to the San Diego Congressional Delegation in securing $850,000 for upgraded lighting at Bradley Park,” said San Marcos, CA Mayor Rebecca Jones. “These enhancements will not only improve park lighting but ensure that Bradley Park remains a vibrant regional hub of activity for years to come. The funding secured by Congressman Peters will enable the City to continue its mission of fostering community connections and promoting healthy lifestyles through a diverse range of recreational programs.” 

“Congressman Peters and our local congressional delegation rightfully prioritized regional safety needs in this year’s budget process, securing funds for critical road improvements in Escondido,” said Escondido Mayor Dane White. “We are very appreciative of their leadership and look forward to continuing to collaborate in the future to bring more federal dollars to our region.” 

“Thanks to the advocacy of our bipartisan congressional delegation, our region will be receiving nearly $8 million to advance SANDAG and Caltrans projects across the county,” said SANDAG CEO Coleen Clementson “This critical federal funding will help increase connectivity, ease congestion, and enhance the quality of life for San Diegans.” 

“We sincerely appreciate the efforts of U.S. Rep. Scott Peters to secure funding for the New Terminal 1 and other critically needed infrastructure projects at San Diego International Airport,” said Kim Becker, President/CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “This funding will help us realize the improvements we need to enhance the passenger experience and maintain the airport as an economic driver for decades to come.” 

“This funding from Congressman Scott Peters is critical to advancing NCTD’s transition to 100 percent zero emission operations,” said North County Transit District (NCTD) Board Chair Jewel Edson. “These battery electric buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality in the surrounding communities, and enhance service reliability.” 

“We are grateful to Congressmen Vargas and Peters for securing funding for two Port projects,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “The nearly $1 million will help us continue to deliver on our promises to advance our sustainability efforts, enhance our waterfront for locals and visitors, and benefit the economy for the San Diego region and the state.” 

“By transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet and upgrading to the next generation of passenger communications systems, we will provide a better and faster transit network for our riders,” said Sharon Cooney, CEO of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. “Funding secured by San Diego's congressional delegation will help fulfill both of these goals. Thanks to their leadership in Washington, D.C., and the leadership of Mayor Todd Gloria, we’re able to further improve our transit system in a way that works better for everyone in the communities we serve.” 

“The San Diego Community College District is the largest provider of higher education and workforce training in the region with a $4.5 billion annual economic impact, and I applaud our congressional delegation for recognizing and responding to vital needs and services supporting law enforcement, student-parents and our overall community,” said San Diego Community College District Chancellor Gregory Smith. 

“SDSU is grateful for the support of Congresswoman Jacobs’ advocacy in securing an advanced cryogenic microscope that positions our bioengineering and materials-science scholars at the cutting edge of their fields,” said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. “The microscope is a crucial tool in driving scientific innovation and launching our students into highly rewarding positions in the public, private and academic sectors.” 

“We are grateful for our San Diego congressional representatives who not only understand the impact of research and higher education but demonstrate that commitment through targeted investments in UC San Diego’s world-renowned education and research enterprise,” said Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “These forward-looking investments fund our ongoing efforts to prevent and predict wildfires across the state, research the impacts of DDT pollution on marine resources and pathways to human exposure, provide more equitable access to affordable childcare on campus, and support students from diverse backgrounds pursuing cutting-edge science and technology careers – ensuring that San Diego continues to serve as a keystone of our nation’s innovation economy as a research powerhouse.” 

FY2024 Community Project List:  

PROJECT 

AMOUNT 

BILL 

RECIPIENT 

SPONSOR/S 

Homeless Shelter Expansion Capital Improvements 

$1,500,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Feinstein, Padilla, Peters  

Clean and Safe San Diego Parks Initiative  

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Peters  

Coastal Rail Trail Bikeway Project 

$4,116,279 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Peters 

Safe Parking SD Expansion 

$1,200,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Jacobs, Vargas  

New San Carlos Library Construction 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Jacobs 

University Avenue Densification Pilot Project 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Vargas 

Marie Widman Memorial Park Improvements 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Vargas 

Oak Park Library  

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Vargas 

Historically Disadvantaged Small Business Revitalization Program 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Vargas 

Community Resilience Hub at Montgomery Waller Recreation Center 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Diego 

Feinstein, Padilla, Vargas, 

Utility and Water Improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

San Diego Community College District 

Vargas 

Transit Center Relocation Project 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

Southwestern Community College District 

Vargas 

Imperial Beach Pier Enhancement 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

Port of San Diego 

Vargas 

San Ysidro Mobility Hub 

$927,778 

T-HUD 

SANDAG 

Vargas 

Barrio Logan Freeway Lid Parks 

$1,300,000 

T-HUD 

SANDAG 

Vargas 

Bradley Park Lighting Upgrades 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of San Marcos 

Peters 

Grand Avenue Improvements 

$1,000,000 

T-HUD 

City of Escondido 

Padilla, Peters 

Early Childhood Education Center 

$1,000,000 

T-HUD 

UC-San Diego 

Peters 

Emerald Drive Complete Streets Project 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of Visa 

Levin 

Landes Community Center and Park Improvement 

$1,000,000 

T-HUD 

City of Oceanside 

Padilla, Levin  

Miramar College School of Public Safety Renovation 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

San Diego Community College District 

Jacobs 

Lemon Grove Little League Field Restoration 

$100,000 

T-HUD 

Lemon Grove Little League 

Jacobs 

San Diego River Center at Grant Park 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

San Diego River Park Foundation 

Jacobs 

Little Saigon Street Improvements 

$250,000 

T-HUD 

Little Saigon Foundation 

Jacobs 

University of San Diego Teaching Kitchen 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

University of San Diego 

Jacobs 

Grantville Safe Parking Site Construction 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

County of San Diego 

Jacobs 

Lemon Grove Early Childhood Education Center Bus Fleet Expansion 

$658,000 

T-HUD 

Lemon Grove School District 

Jacobs 

Junior Achievement of San Diego County Expansion and Renovation 

$1,000,000 

T-HUD 

Junior Achievement of San Diego County 

Jacobs 

San Diego Community College District Family Friendly Study Centers 

$1,466,279 

T-HUD 

San Diego Community College District 

Jacobs 

East County Center for Military and Veteran Reintegration 

$1,000,000 

T-HUD 

County of San Diego 

Jacobs 

Lemon Grove Early Childhood Education Design Center 

$1,439,790 

T-HUD 

Lemon Grove School District 

Jacobs 

Barona Band of Mission Indians Water Infrastructure Improvement Project 

$4,500,000 

T-HUD 

Barona Band of Mission Indians 

Issa 

Blue Line Passenger Variable Message Sign and Public Address System Upgrades 

$882,000 

T-HUD 

Metropolitan Transit System 

Vargas 

Clean Transit Advancement Campus 

$1,666,279 

T-HUD 

Metropolitan Transit System 

Vargas 

NCTD Bus Fleet Replacement Project 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

North County Transit District 

Peters 

Green Line Passenger VMS and PA System Upgrades 

$472,000 

T-HUD 

Metropolitan Transit System 

Peters 

San Diego At Grade Crossing Elimination Study 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

SANDAG 

Padilla, Peters 

Leucadia Blvd Roundabout Project 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of Encinitas 

Levin 

Lomas Santa Fe Corridor Improvement 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of Solana Beach 

Levin  

Carlsbad Traffic Safety Improvements 

$850,000 

T-HUD 

City of Carlsbad 

Padilla, Levin 

I-5 Managed Lanes Segment 5 

$1,166,279 

T-HUD 

Caltrans 

Levin 

I-15/State Route 78/Managed Lanes  

$4,000,000 

T-HUD 

Caltrans 

Issa 

SR-52 Operational Improvements 

$7,000,000 

T-HUD 

Caltrans 

Issa 

Electrical Infrastructure Improvements Project 

$500,000 

T-HUD 

San Diego County Regional Airport Authority 

Padilla, Peters 

Coastal Rail Corridor Relocation Study 

$4,000,000 

T-HUD 

Orange County Transportation Authority 

Levin  

Harbor Drive Pump Station 1 and 2  

$959,752 

Interior 

City of San Diego 

Peters  

Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure Improvement Project 

$959,752 

Interior 

City of Del Mar 

Padilla, Levin  

Pure Water San Diego Phase 2 Demonstration Facility Construction 

$600,000 

Interior 

City of San Diego 

Feinstein, Padilla  

Water Infrastructure Replacement Project 

$3,610,000 

Interior 

Borrego Water District 

Feinstein, Padilla, Issa 

Water District Cybersecurity and Info Technology Project 

$690,898 

Interior 

East County AWP Joint Powers Authority 

Issa 

Primary Pipeline Replacement 

$250,000 

Interior 

Fallbrook Public Utility District 

Padilla, Issa 

San Dieguito Valley Brackish Groundwater Desalination Project 

$959,752 

Interior 

Olivenhain Municipal Water District 

Peters 

Wells Iron and Manganese Removal System Project 

$959,752 

Interior 

Sweetwater Authority 

Padilla, Vargas 

Pipeline Replacement Project 

$715,000 

Interior 

Valley Center Municipal Water District 

Padilla, Issa 

Oceanside Harbor Dredging 

$3,302,000 

Energy 

City of Oceanside 

Feinstein, Padilla 

Offshore Pollution Impacts on Living Marine Resources 

$6,000,000 

CJS 

The Regents of University of California 

Feinstein, Padilla 

San Diego Bay Aquaculture Planning Study 

$425,000 

CJS 

Port of San Diego 

Peters 

Implementing Rapid DNA Technology 

$220,000 

CJS 

City of Escondido  

Peters  

Forensic Technology Advancement and Replacement Project 

$760,000 

CJS 

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department 

Levin  

San Diego State University Transmission Electron Microscope 

$963,000 

CJS 

San Diego State University 

Jacobs  

Wildfire Technology Commons 

$1,926,000 

CJS 

UC-San Diego 

Padilla, Jacobs, Vargas  

Fire/Emergency Response Station Replacement: Planning and Design 

$2,683,000 

Mil-Con  

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton 

Feinstein, Levin 

Child Development Center: Planning and Design 

$6,200,000 

Mil-Con 

Naval Base Coronado 

Feinstein 

Child Development Center: Planning and Design 

$5,600,000 

Mil-Con 

Naval Base San Diego 

Feinstein  

Equipment  

$2,500,000 

Labor-HHS 

County of San Diego 

Padilla 

CA Promise Neighborhood Program 

$876,000 

Labor-HHS 

South Bay Community Services 

Feinstein, Padilla 

PATHS Scholar Program 

$1,656,000 

Labor-HHS 

UC-San Diego 

Padilla 

Native Biodiversity Corps Program 

$500,000 

Labor-HHS 

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 

Feinstein  

Critical Infrastructure Wildfire Vulnerability Assessment  

$1,275,000 

Homeland 

County of San Diego 

Feinstein, Peters 

TOTAL 

  

$102,134,390