The City of Coachella has been named among nearly a dozen communities to receive grants from the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). The city is set to receive approximately $22 million to implement its Coachella Prospera initiative.
The SGC, in a press release, stated that the TCC program provides funding to disadvantaged, unincorporated and tribal communities throughout California. The aim is to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve public health and the environment, and expand economic opportunities for residents. Since 2016, 37 communities have received grants through the program, amounting to $424 million. The council added that the projects in this funding round will lower greenhouse gas emissions by 36,647 metric tons – an equivalent of taking 8,155 gas-powered passenger vehicles off the road for a year.
“The impact of this grant on Coachella’s growth and future is significant. We are a resourceful community, and we look forward to continuing our mission to create much healthier, equitable and productive options for our residents,” said Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez in the SGC press release. “These funds will enable our city and community partners to start implementing key strategies that will notably enhance the quality of life in our community.”
In addition to the $22 million grant, Hernandez stated in a Facebook post that the city has received a commitment from the SGC to apply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for an additional $7 million required by the Coachella Prospera project.
Coachella Councilmember Neftali Galarza revealed in a Facebook post that the Coachella Prospera project aims to “transform Coachella into a model city of the future.” He outlined several highlights of the project which include sustainable transportation options, turning Bagdouma Community Center into a Wellness Hub, enhancing Tot Lot Park on Avenue 53 and Calle Empalme, installing solar panels on homes, creating the Sixth Street Senior Apartments, planting 300 trees for urban greening and beautification, and upgrading the Coachella Transit Hub to enhance connectivity.
