FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
March 22, 2024

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO, CA – 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.” 

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