Lofgren & Local Leaders Celebrate Nearly $2 Million in Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure in Salinas & Watsonville

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, April 26 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19) presented checks appropriated by Congress for two community projects totaling $1,919,504 that will improve wastewater treatment in Salinas and Watsonville. Click here to view or download photos from the event.

 

“Proper water infrastructure – that prevents contamination and allows for clean drinking water – is a basic need in communities. It’s essential to have effective, efficient, and updated wastewater treatment systems that protect our environment and ensure people stay healthy,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “The two community projects receiving a federal cash infusion will make needed improvements in Salinas and Watsonville. Both investments will benefit the area in the short- and long-terms, and I am proud to have advocated for the federal funding.”

 

The funding comes from Lofgren-requested Community Project Funding included in Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation signed into law in March 2024. In total, Lofgren secured $50,095,535 for projects in the 18th Congressional District. She will present more checks in the coming weeks and months.

 

She added, “Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee announced a very tight turnaround and deadline for Members to submit requests for Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding. Therefore, my office has set its internal deadline to accept applications for Tuesday, April 30th at 3pmPST/ 6pmEST. I encourage entities in the 18th District to take advantage of the funding opportunity and submit eligible local projects that are in need of federal funding in the next few days.” Further information and the CA-18 application can be found here.

 

City of Salinas – $959,752

 

Lofgren presented a $959,752 check to the City of Salinas.

 

"We are so incredibly grateful to Representative Lofgren for her work in funding the Salinas Wastewater Treatment Facility. This critical piece of our infrastructure allows industrial wastewater - primarily from agriculture food processing facilities - to be recycled and reused," said City of Salinas Mayor Kimbley Craig. "As the City continues updating and improving the wastewater treatment facility, this funding is a key investment in expanding the City's water sources and helps with environmental sustainability throughout the region.”

 

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City of Watsonville – $959,752

 

Lofgren presented a $959,752 check to the City of Watsonville.

 

"With the support of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and federal funding of nearly $1 million, we are taking a significant step in modernizing our Wastewater Treatment Plant,” said City of Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz- Carter. “These updates will not only improve efficiency but also ensure the continued environmental sustainability of our City for generations to come.”