Rep. Panetta Secures Federal Support for Local Projects Throughout the 19th Congressional District

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) secured more than $15.18 million in community project funding for local projects throughout California’s 19^th Congressional District.  This federal support will assist local initiatives to address housing affordability, public safety, childcare, environmental restoration, water resiliency, and more for his constituents.  This funding was secured following the passage of two government funding bills for 2024.

Last Congress, after more than a decade, Rep. Panetta and House Democrats led the way in bringing back a process to allow Representatives—who know their districts best—to request and secure funds for the programs and places that matter most to communities.  The projects Rep. Panetta fought for address clear and present needs in California’s 19^th Congressional District and represent his commitment to strengthening federal partnerships with community leaders.

“The challenges facing California’s 19^th Congressional District can be addressed through direct federal investment in local solutions,” said Rep. Panetta.  “With this funding, I’m ensuring the federal government is taking an active role in supporting the incredible work happening on the ground to improve the lives and livelihoods of all those who call the 19^th District home.  The impact from these targeted investments will be tangibly felt by families and I look forward to the work ahead to implement these initiatives for the betterment of our home.”

Rep. Panetta secured funding for 15 local projects that will directly benefit the people of California’s 19^th Congressional District. These projects include:

• $3,000,000 for the Carmel River Floodplain Restoration and Environmental Enhancement Project (Carmel River FREE) to recreate hydrological connectivity, restore habitat, and reduce flood hazards in the Carmel River Watershed.
  
   
• $1,666,279 for the Cabrillo Child Care Center to construct an expanded child care center as part of Cabrillo College's comprehensive housing project and support services for low-income students.
  
   
• $1,000,000 for the El Camino Real Downtown Infrastructure Enhancement to transform a major corridor in the downtown area from a five-lane, former U.S. Highway 101 into a two-lane multimodal roadway. The Project will improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, add over 130 parking spaces, upgrade accessibility, offer new public gathering areas with benches and other amenities, provide attractive street lighting, and install new landscaping.
  
   
• $1,000,000 for the construction of a new Cambria Ambulance Station to provide a new living facility for first responders and allow ambulances to be securely garaged and protected from the corrosive coastal environment.
  
   
• $1,000,000 for the purchase of a new Templeton Fire Engine as well as equipment to improve public safety and fire resiliency.
  
   
• $1,000,000 for the Rue Ferrari Emergency Interim Housing Site Expansion to add 100 units/beds that will provide interim housing for residents previously experiencing unsheltered homelessness and fund the onsite community center.
  
   
• $1,000,000 for the Scotts Valley Town Center to acquire 8.15 acres of land, with the eventual goal being to develop 14 total acres of vacant land into a mixed-use "downtown" urban core, including affordable housing.
  
   
• $959,752 for the City of Santa Cruz for Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement to replace approximately 2,600 lineal feet of the Newell Creek Pipeline located within a steep hillside off Brackney Road in rural Ben Lomond and relocate the pipeline within geologically stable ground for both landslide and earthquake protection.
  
   
• $959,752 for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District Tank Replacement Project to consolidate two small mutual water companies, Forest Springs, and Bracken Brae, with the San Lorenzo Valley Water District to provide a safe and reliable water supply to the approximately 440 customers served by these two systems.
  
   
• $850,000 for the Lake Cunningham Park Revitalization to improve the water quality of Lake Cunningham in order to revitalize Lake Cunningham Park and restore its recreational use.
  
   
• $800,000 for the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve Accessible Trail to create a much-needed accessible trail through a portion of the popular Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.
  
   
• $500,000 for the Blossom Hill Senior Affordable Housing Development to support 147 homes for seniors including unhoused seniors in the Blossom Hill and Snell area of San José and enable this development to offer a variety of on-site supportive services for residents and the surrounding community.
  
   
• $500,000 for the Paso Robles Regional Fire and Emergency Services Training Facility to initiate design and construction of a joint police and fire public safety training location including live fire training and a dedicated area for this police training including SWAT training, active shooter training, and building searches.
  
   
• $500,000 for the Real Property Acquisition for Natural Bridges Apartments Affordable Housing Project to support a twenty-unit, single-room occupancy, three-story apartment building providing affordable housing and other amenities to low-income residents.
  
   
• $450,000 for Capitola Cliff Drive Infrastructure Resiliency which would stabilize the failing coastal bluffs along Cliff Drive in order to protect local public infrastructure and public safety.

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