Sánchez applauds final passage of Omnibus Appropriations Agreement

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA) voted for the bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Agreement, which the Senate passed Thursday night. The Omnibus Appropriations Agreement provides $1.5 trillion in discretionary resources and supplemental funding that will help working families with the cost of living and create American jobs. It includes $219.6 million that the Congresswoman secured to fully fund upgrades to the Whittier Narrows Dam to completion and ensure the safety of residents of the City of Pico Rivera and downstream communities. It also includes urgent funding to support Ukraine as the country faces unprovoked attacks by Russian forces.

Additionally, for the first time in over a decade, that package includes funding for Member-specific community projects. Congresswoman Sánchez announced she secured funding for nine community projects in Southern California.

"I am deeply proud to support this bipartisan funding package and send it to President Biden for his signature. These much-needed investments will help lower the cost of living for working families, create good-paying jobs, and address issues we face at home and abroad," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "What's more, I am honored that we were able to include funding for nine projects requested by our gateway cities. Taxpayers deserve to have a say in where their money is spent. Whether it's improved internet access or cleaner water for our community, these projects will make life better for Southern Californians and I am proud to deliver the funding needed to complete each one."

In total, the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement provides $1.5 trillion in discretionary resources and supplemental funding. It also includes urgent funding to support Ukraine as the country faces unprovoked attacks by Russian forces.

"I am also proud that this legislation includes $13.6 billion in humanitarian and security assistance for Ukraine," said Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez. "This funding will help Ukraine fight for its democratic future. It also sends a clear message that the United States stands with our allies and will not tolerate Russia's aggression."

The following community projects, which are listed in alphabetical order, were included in the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement:

• $200,000for the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier. The funding would be used to make modifications that improve accessibility, safety, and equity at the Boys & Girls Club Whittier's Main Clubhouse. The modifications would include a fully ADA-compliant elevator, accessible restrooms, ADA-van accessible parking, accessible pathways, and related equipment and labor.
• $322,000 for the City of Bellflower. The funding would be used to revitalize the City's Constitution Park with new recreational amenities, including play and fitness equipment, and a sports court, within a current park that has experienced many issues and concerns over the years. The money would address the final phase in the plan to revitalize the park, adding recreational components and amenities back to the park for the neighborhood to enjoy.
• $475,000 for the City of La Mirada. The funding would be used for accessibility and other physical improvements to the City's Neff Park. The project would replace deteriorated asphalt walkways with concrete, place new concrete walkways to enhance accessibility to all areas, improve lighting throughout the park, and extend wood rail fencing around the perimeter of the park.
• $2 million for the City of La Palma. The funding would be used to redesign arterial street medians in the City. Due to California's water restrictions, the City's medians have deteriorated and look rundown. The project would include the removal of existing landscaping/irrigation, hardscape removals and replacement, installation of a new drip irrigation system, planting of new trees along with new landscaping/hardscaping in 48 median islands.
• $1.72 million for the City of Norwalk. The funding would be used to create free opt-in "Smart & Safe" Wi-Fi Zones within public parks and facilities. The project would help ensure that Norwalk students and residents have equitable access to necessary digital infrastructure.
• $2.5 million for the City of Pico Rivera's PFAS Groundwater Treatment Project. The funding will improve water quality for residents in California's 38th congressional district. Due to industrial activities in prior years, many of Southern California's groundwater aquifers are contaminated with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – commonly known as "forever chemicals." In order to provide potable drinking water to surrounding communities, the Pico Rivera Water Authority must pump and thoroughly treat water to eliminate this contamination. These funds would be used toward the design, environmental and construction of Phase 1 of the Pico Rivera Water Authority's PFAS Groundwater Treatment Project.
• $1.5 million for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The funding would be used to construct 2.6 miles of protected bikeways and walkways along Rosemead Boulevard which divides the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and is a major north-south route for vehicular traffic.
• $450,000 for the City of Whittier's Central Library Remodel and Improvement Project. The funding will be used for enhancement to the Children and Youth Services section in Whittier Central Library, including updated furnishings, additional seating, technology stations, a children's story area, and special computers for early learners.
• $500,000 for The Whole Child – Mental Health and Housing Services. The funding would be used toward construction of a 40-unit interim housing and 6,000 square foot supportive services center in Santa Fe Springs. Interim housing units would provide six to nine months of safe temporary housing, a crucial first step away from homelessness, and supportive services would be available to help families solve issues that caused their homelessness and to locate permanent housing.

A full list of the Community Projects Requests submitted by Rep. Sánchez to the Appropriations Committee can be found here.

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