(SACRAMENTO, CA) This afternoon, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) convened an Imperial Valley stakeholder group to coordinate New River advocacy in preparation of the Thursday, May 21, Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation hearing where the $28 million funding proposal for the New River Improvement Project will be reviewed. Assemblymember Garcia’s strategy session was conducted via ZOOM and included local government officials as well as community organizers.
Over the years, Assemblymember Garcia has led a concerted effort with local stakeholders to garner state support for the New River. Together they have made significant headway with the new Administration. COVID-19 has placed a heavy burden on our state’s budget and Garcia believes that our community must continue to present a strong, unified case to secure project funding.
“While we successfully ensured that the proposed $28 million for the New River Improvement Project remained in the Governor’s Budget May Revision, we must continue to present a strong, unified front to protect and secure these funds. COVID-19 has left our budget in a precarious situation. California is facing significant cuts across the board. The public health, environmental, and economic stakes are higher than ever, and we cannot let this opportunity slip through our fingers without a fight,” said Assemblymember Garcia.
In addition to rallying local stakeholders, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia encourages community members to call in or submit written testimony in support of the $28 million for the New River Improvement Project to Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation. The hearing will be held Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. and will be accessible through a live stream on the Assembly’s website.
After panel presentations and member questions have concluded, the public may provide a brief public comment by using the following toll-free number: 1-877-692-8957; Access Code: 13154202. Written testimony can also be submitted to BudgetSub3@asm.ca.gov.
If you encounter technical problems with accessing the public comment phone line, please contact the Assembly Budget Committee at (916) 319-2099 for assistance.
Please note: updated public participation access code provided upon notice of Committee.
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Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) serves as the chairperson of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife. He represents the 56th district, which comprises the cities and communities of Blythe, Brawley, Bermuda Dunes, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, Mecca, Oasis, North Shore, Salton Sea, Thermal, Thousand Palms, and Westmorland.
