Senator Padilla Presents $10 Million for Lithium Valley Development in Imperial County
EL CENTRO, Calif. – Imperial County’s efforts to transform itself into a hub for clean energy received a significant boost on Friday as State Senator Steve Padilla presented the Board of Supervisors with a ceremonial $10 million check. The funding, part of the state’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget, will be used to advance infrastructure, regional development, and community engagement initiatives associated with the Lithium Valley Specific Plan.
During a press conference at the Imperial County Board Chambers, Senator Padilla joined local officials and community leaders to highlight the potential impact of Lithium Valley and how this investment will benefit residents.
“This funding represents a crucial step toward building the infrastructure and workforce necessary to ensure that Lithium Valley not only leads in the clean energy transition but delivers real, tangible benefits to our community,” said Chairman Hawk of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors. “We thank Senator Padilla for his commitment to helping us position Imperial County as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and opportunity.”
“The fund we secured for the Lithium Valley Specific Plan is critical as we make strategic investments in our community,” Padilla said. “I am proud to have worked with our local leaders to make this plan a reality.”
The $10 million allocation will be used to support several key initiatives, including:
• Infrastructure Development: Improvements to roads and bridges will be a priority, including the demolition and replacement of the Vail Canal timber bridge, repairs to a concrete bridge over the New River, and expanded road paving to enhance accessibility and connectivity in the region.
• Community Engagement and Education: Additional resources will be provided to K-12 students, and public outreach efforts will be expanded to ensure all Imperial County residents have access to information about Lithium Valley. Spanish translation services will also be increased to make the initiative more inclusive.
• Economic and Regional Growth: A Northend County facility will be established to expand community services and support business development in the Lithium Valley area. Efforts will be made to attract investors and raise the region’s profile as a leader in renewable energy and critical mineral production.
Senator Padilla praised Imperial County’s leadership and underscored the national significance of Lithium Valley in advancing clean energy while benefiting underserved communities.
Imperial County officials say they will work closely with state and federal agencies to ensure the funds are used effectively, reinforcing the region’s role in California’s transition to sustainable energy.