Senate District 35 Receives Over $11 Million for Green Infrastructure Projects Funded by Cap-and-Trade Revenues

November 15, 2017

SACRAMENTO ­– Senate District 35 was awarded over $11 million in funding for projects to transform community streets, walkways and parks into green spaces that improve air and water quality and provide greater opportunities for walking, biking and recreation. The local recipients of this critical funding are in the communities of Compton, Lynwood, South Gate, Watts and South Los Angeles. 

“Innovative community green infrastructure projects have a two-fold effect on neighborhoods and their residents,” said Senator Bradford (D-Gardena).  “Residents will not only take pride in a community that is greener and more attractive, but quality of life and health improve drastically by reducing carbon, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste in regions that have become disproportionately exposed to pollutants.”

Yesterday, the California Natural Resources agency announced $76 million in funding for 39 green infrastructure projects through the state’s Urban Greening program, established by Senate Bill 535 (2012). The Urban Greening program is funded by Cap-and-Trade revenues and aims to reduce greenhouse gases by requisitioning carbon, decreasing energy consumption and reducing vehicle miles traveled.  Ninety-two percent of the funding was awarded to projects in disadvantaged communities as defined by SB 535.

“As a city leader in Gardena for 12 years, Program Director for the LA Conservation Corp and a former State Assemblymember, I completely understand the value of community reinvestment, specifically focused on efforts to improve health outcomes and sustainability in communities that are far too often overlooked. Congratulations to our local awardees, I cannot wait to see the changes,” continued Bradford. 

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Senator Bradford represents the Los Angeles County communities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor City, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lennox, San Pedro, Torrance, Watts, Willowbrook, and Wilmington.