Lofgren & Local Leaders Celebrate $2.7+ million in Federal Funding for CA-19 to Improve the Environment & Address Impacts of Climate Change
SAN JOSE, CA – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) presented checks appropriated by Congress for three community projects totaling $2,710,000 that will improve the environment and address the impacts of climate change.
"Climate change has already had devastating impacts and consequences around the world and across California, and it's only going to get worse if we do not act boldly and consistently," said Lofgren. "The three community projects we're celebrating are examples of creative, smart, or novel initiatives that help address the devastating impacts of climate change or improve the environment for future generations. I hope that the federal funding we've secured for the South Bay allow us not only to expand these local projects, but encourage more projects like them."
In addition to championing local sustainability projects, Lofgren recently voted for the Inflation Reduction Act in Congress, which provided the largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
The three organizations below, listed in alphabetical order, accepted their allotments of federal funding at an event at San Jose State University.
Gardner Family Health Network – $1,200,000
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Lofgren presented a $1,200,000 check for the Gardner Family Health Network to install solar panels and energy storage systems at four health care facilities in California's 19th Congressional District.
"With a goal towards achieving environmental justice in socio-economic challenged communities, Gardner Health Services will leverage this federal funding to improve service sustainability and reliability in times of environmental emergencies such as the threatening seasonal wildfires. Moving over to solar energy at four service sites, we will be able to continue providing services to our patients and clients when rolling blackouts are enforced for precautionary reasons. Thank you to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for supporting our request on this initiative and securing the funding to make this a reality," said Reymundo C. Espinoza, CEO of Gardner Health Service.
Guadalupe River Park Conservancy – $360,000
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Lofgren presented a $360,000 check for the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy's restoration project.
"Through this support, we can accelerate the restoration of the Guadalupe Gardens, enhancing recreation opportunities, access to nature, and improved quality of life. We are excited that these funds enable us to achieve these goals while also strengthening local food systems, workforce development for vulnerable communities, and local civic engagement," said Jason Su, Executive Director at the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy.
San Jose State University – $1,150,000
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Lofgren presented a $1,150,000 check for SJSU's Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center to develop four new facilities to build upon and strengthen current capability at San Jose State University: a National Wildfire Data and Computing Hub, a Remote Sensing Facility, a Fire Dynamics Laboratory, and a Community Wildfire Resilience Laboratory.
"We are very grateful for the efforts of Representative Zoe Lofgren to secure funding for the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center," said Michael Kaufman, Dean of San Jose State University's College of Science. "This federal support will allow us to grow our critical research efforts to understand, plan for, and recover from wildfire."
Background
The funding comes from Lofgren-requested Community Project Funding included in Fiscal Year 2022 government funding legislation signed into law in March 2022. In total, Lofgren secured $7,510,000 for projects in the 19th Congressional District. Lofgren celebrated four of the projects on October 11, 2022, and she will announce funding for three additional community projects later this month.
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