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Federal lawmakers have submitted 12 County projects as federal earmarks for a total of $34 million – and more projects may soon be submitted. This is a marked improvement over 2022, when the County had five projects submitted as earmarks for a total of $12.1 million.
“We are delighted to have so many projects selected by our Congressional representatives,” said Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Third District Supervisor and Chair of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. “These important projects are excellent investments in the region and will help the County deliver law enforcement, parks, preschool, fire, and behavioral health services.”
Senator Diane Feinstein submitted a $2 million request to purchase new snow removal heavy equipment to be stationed in mountain communities such as Wrightwood, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and Big Bear. This project was a top priority for the County, which wants to invest in new equipment to better respond to future blizzards and natural disasters.
A major project request was also submitted by Senator Alex Padilla, who backed a $5 million project to improve the water supply for the mountain community of Cedar Glen.
Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) submitted two requests for the County. The first is for $1 million to support a septic-to-sewer conversion project in the unincorporated community of Bohnert. The second is for $3 million to extensively refurbish the playground at Glen Helen Regional Park.
Three major infrastructure projects were submitted by Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Big Bear) to receive federal funding. A $4 million request would help complete Phase III of the Desert Knolls Wash Flood Control Channel near Apple Valley while a $3 million request will finish a flood control culvert replacement in Oak Glen. Finally, Congressman Obernolte submitted a $2 million request to help build a new replacement fire station in the mountain community of Fawnskin.
Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-Pomona) submitted a $3 million septic-to-sewer conversion project in unincorporated Fontana and a $2.9 million request to build new restrooms and showers for the Prado Regional Park campground.
Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-Indio) submitted a $3 million request to renovate the County’s behavioral health outpatient clinic in Needles and build a new recovery clubhouse facility, also in Needles. This is a significant investment to ensure residents of this isolated city have access to critical behavioral health care and assistance.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) submitted a $3 million request to relocate the County’s Head Start preschool in the City of Upland. The current facility is aging and inadequate to meet the needs of the children at the preschool. The County will use this funding to renovate a newly acquired preschool and ensure that it meets the highest standards for childcare facilities.
Congresswoman Young Kim (R-Fullerton) submitted a $3 million request on behalf of the County Sheriff’s Department to help purchase body cameras and tasers. This will help Sheriff’s deputies to be more accountable and transparent in their enforcement of the law while avoiding the lethal use of force.
Federal earmarks are discretionary projects selected by local members of Congress to fund key projects in their state or districts. Projects are selected by individual lawmakers and then submitted to appropriations committees in the House of Representatives or Senate. Projects are funded once the full appropriations bills are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.