U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) announced he has secured $5.53 million in community project funding for 6 local initiatives in Santa Cruz County.
- $1,666,279 for the Cabrillo Child Care Center to construct an expanded child care center as part of Cabrillo College’s housing project and support services for low-income students.
- $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.
- $500,000 for the Real Property Acquisition for Natural Bridges Apartments Affordable Housing Project to support a 20-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 to protect local public infrastructure and public safety.
In 2021, 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 process, formerly known as “earmarks,” had been halted for 10 years due to accusations of pork spending.
“Local projects that directly impact the quality of life of our community need federal investment to properly scale,” Panetta said. “Through this funding, I am working to foster an important, ongoing connection between the federal government and the organizations doing incredible work on housing, childcare, water resiliency, and more in California’s 19th Congressional District. Alongside local partners, we are making tangible improvements to our community and bringing exciting new initiatives to fruition in Santa Cruz County.”
Matt Wetstein, Cabrillo College president and superintendent, said, “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Panetta’s support in securing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding of $1.67 million for the Cabrillo College Child Care Center that will be included in our low-income student housing project in partnership with UCSC.”
He added, “Many of our students are also parents, and having reliable, affordable child care is essential for them to be able to stay in school. The Child Care Center will include classroom space, child care services, an outdoor recreation space, and nutritious meals.”
Santa Cruz Water Department Director Heidi Luckenbach said, “The Newell Creek Pipeline is one of the oldest and most important pieces of our water system. Replacing it will improve our water deliveries and strengthen our ability to respond to the increasing threats of severe wildfires and intense storms associated with climate change.”
She added, “This new funding will help ensure safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water for our community for decades to come, and we are grateful to Congressman Panetta for championing this initiative.”
San Lorenzo Valley Water District Interim General Manager Brian Frus said, “The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is honored to be a recipient of 2024 Congressional Community Project Funding. The District will utilize project funding to assist with the consolidation of two local water mutual companies heavily impacted by the 2020 CZU Fire.”
He elaborated, “Funding will specifically be used to construct water storage to ensure potable water along with adequate fire flows far into the future.
This opportunity marks progress in our consolidation efforts and emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches to address critical infrastructure needs. We express our gratitude for this funding opportunity and look forward to continuing this productive collaboration with Rep. Panetta’s office.”
Capitola Mayor Kristen Brown said, “Failing coastal bluffs along Cliff Drive present a threat to public safety for Capitola residents. Through this federal funding, our community will be able to continue to make progress on infrastructure improvements to this critical roadway. The city of Capitola looks forward to our continued partnership with Rep. Panetta in our collective work to improve quality of life for our residents.”
Scotts Valley Mayor Randy Johnson said, “The City of Scotts Valley is profoundly grateful for the funding secured by Rep. Panetta for our Town Center project. This generous support will have a lasting impact on our community and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
Santa Cruz County Housing Authority Executive Director Jenny Panetta said, “The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Cruz extends our deepest gratitude to Congressman Panetta for his unwavering commitment to affordable housing for our community. With his instrumental support in securing $500,000 of Community Project Funding for Natural Bridges Apartments, Congressman Panetta has paved the way for 20 households to secure stable and affordable housing in the heart of Santa Cruz’s Westside neighborhood. We commend Congressman Panetta and his team for their tireless advocacy and collaboration towards our shared goal of using affordable housing as a platform to foster a thriving community for all.”
TOP PHOTO: Proposal Render of planned students housing © 2022 Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc. All rights reserved.