U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) has announced the securing of $44.1 million in federal funding for various projects in California’s 41st Congressional District to cater to its burgeoning population. The funding, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, received bipartisan support and passed the House of Representatives.
Calvert said in a press release on his website, "We have more work to do to relieve congestion in Riverside County, which is why I will continue to focus on real solutions that get people moving."
The growing needs of Riverside County necessitate a focus on transportation infrastructure as part of the funding allocation, according to the press release. Projects such as the Coachella Valley Rail Project, Ontario Avenue / Interstate 15 Multimodal Corridor Enhancement Project in Corona, and Garbani Road/I-215 Interchange Project in Menifee are set to receive funding.
"The bill approved by the House today is far from perfect, which is often the case when a compromise is struck," Calvert stated. "Despite only narrowly controlling one half of one third of the government, House Republicans have stopped runaway spending and kept funding levels under the President’s Budget Request by more than $100 billion and blocked efforts by the Senate to spend beyond the top line. The funding package represents the first overall cut to non-defense, non-VA spending in almost a decade – proving we can fund our priorities in a fiscally responsible way."
In addition to transportation projects, funds have been allocated for homeless assistance projects and water infrastructure improvements. The Homeless Facility Expansion Project in Lake Elsinore and the Navigation Center Project in Palm Springs are among those set to receive federal funding aimed at addressing homelessness in the district. Water infrastructure projects like Lee Lake Wells Project and Recycled Water Booster Station and Reservoir Project will also receive funding for enhancing water supply and sustainability.
The bill also includes allocations for military construction projects requested by Calvert, such as investments in March Air Reserve Base (ARB) and Twentynine Palms.
Calvert, a Riverside County native, currently represents California's 41st Congressional District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from San Diego State University in 1975. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, he serves as the Dean of the California Republican Delegation and chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. In the 118th Congress, Calvert supports pro-growth policies, military support, immigration reform, veterans' commitments, NIH research, water solutions, and infrastructure. The 41st District includes cities like Corona, Norco, Palm Springs, and parts of Riverside.