$96 million awarded for climate projects in 10 communities

California Construction News staff writer

California approved $96.2 million in grants last week to support projects in 10 communities including $66.5 million for the Transform Fresno project. All funded projects are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64,000 metric tons, equivalent to taking 14,000 cars off the road for one year.

“California is empowering communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis to tackle pollution and build resilience in their own neighborhoods,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This innovative support for community-led projects across the state will bring environmental, health and economic benefits to Californians for decades to come.”

Seven planning grants will provide pre-construction support to communities to successfully apply to future funding rounds though TCC or other funding sources, and three implementation grants will go to affordable housing, transit access, energy efficiency, building electrification, water and waste management, green infrastructure, air quality, workforce training, anti-displacement programs.

“With support through the Transformative Climate Communities program, we want to re-imagine a South LA that has clean air, more parks, free transit, and healthier community spaces that provide relief from extreme heat,” said Brian Jointer, resident of South-Central Los Angeles and member of Scope.

The Strategic Growth Council also voted to allocate $10 million in remaining funds towards additional technical assistance as well as a pilot initiative to fund basic infrastructure and project development in under-resourced unincorporated and tribal communities.

Approved projects across the state:

• $35 million – South Los Angeles Eco-Lab
• $35 million – Richmond Rising
• $24.2 million – City of Stockton, Stockton Rising ­
• $300,000 – County of San Diego – Spring Valley S.E.E.D.S.(Sustainable Environments & Engaged Development Strategies)
• $299,922 – Karuk Tribe – Panámnik, sákriiv nukyâavish! (Orleans, we are making it strong!)
• $299,113 – County of Monterey – Climate Prosperity for Pájaro Valley
• $217,000 – Chicken Ranch Rancheria
• $299,967 -Allensworth Progressive Association
• $300,000 Award to Native American Environmental Protection Coalition
• $299,800 Award to Wiyot Tribe