Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia Secures $6.1 Million to Transform Heber’s Streets and Air Quality
Heber, CA - On August 9, 2024, Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia joined the Heber community and local leaders to celebrate a significant milestone in the region’s environmental and infrastructure efforts with the completion of the Heber Townsite Improvements Phase I paving project. The event, attended by Garcia, the County of Imperial, and the AB 617 Calexico-Heber-El Centro Community Steering Committee, highlighted the ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and enhancing local infrastructure.
The $4.9 million Heber Townsite Paving Project has transformed local roads and sidewalks, making a noticeable difference in the community. One long-time Heber resident, who has lived in the area for the past 40 years, shared his enthusiasm: “I think it has improved it a lot. You know, it is very nice to see streets and sidewalks in Heber. It’s just great to see a project like this come by.”
The ceremony also marked the announcement of new grantees for the second round of AB 617 paving projects, totaling $6.1 million. The funds will support a variety of initiatives, including paving dirt lots, upgrading sidewalks, and replacing diesel school buses with electric ones. These projects aim to reduce pollution from vehicles and stationary sources, contributing to improved air quality in the region.
Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia underscored the importance of these efforts in his remarks: “Well, we’re talking about multiple projects and there’s a list of projects that will be funded with the $6.1 million. It’s important to highlight the type of projects that have already been built—paving dirt lots, paving sidewalks, getting new electric school buses, versus the diesel buses that are polluting our air and our communities. We have also seen air monitoring systems, air filtration systems, both in our homes and in our schools. All these initiatives are born through a conversation that the community is having with their steering committee. My job was to pass the law, secure funding, and work closely with the communities and their steering committees. The results of those efforts today are another $6 million for Imperial County to continue these important projects.”
The overarching goal of the AB 617 initiatives is to improve air quality across Imperial County. The region, which includes the communities of Calexico, El Centro, and Heber, faces significant environmental challenges due to high traffic density, agricultural activities, and industrial operations. The area has a population of about 98,000 and includes sensitive receptors such as schools, daycare facilities, and a hospital. The community experiences elevated levels of poverty and unemployment and has notably high rates of pediatric asthma-related emergency room visits.
The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and the AB 617 Calexico-Heber-El Centro Community Steering Committee extend their gratitude to all who attended the event and contributed to the success of this initiative. Their continued support is vital for advancing projects that enhance environmental and public health in the region.