$102 million earmarked for community infrastructure projects in San Diego

California Construction News staff writer

More than $102 million was announced last week for 69 local community projects across San Diego in the FY2024 appropriations bills.

Also $156 million was added to the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) construction budget, a threefold increase over the previous fiscal year that will put the IBWC on track to repair and expand the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The one-time community project funds will finance infrastructure, library, park, public safety, childcare, and research projects throughout San Diego County.

“These transformative projects will revitalize our communities by supporting our small businesses, enhancing our parks and libraries, and connecting our communities through transportation initiatives,” said Chairwoman Nora Vargas of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “I am grateful to the San Diego Congressional Delegation for their investment in these endeavors, which breathe new life into our communities and foster equitable change in our region.”

Since FY2021 when community projects were reinstituted, the congressional delegation has awarded more than $430 million for 146 projects.

“The City of Encinitas strongly advocates for projects that make our roadways safer for all modes of travel,” said Mayor Tony Kranz. “Leucadia Boulevard is one of the city’s main east-west roadways. Construction of a roundabout on Leucadia Boulevard at Hygeia Avenue instead of a stop sign will provide safer intersection control, improved aesthetics, and better pedestrian connectivity.

“The roundabout will also reduce greenhouse gases by eliminating cars stopping and idling at a stop sign. Encinitas is excited to have been granted funding for the construction phase of this long-awaited project so that we can get these important community improvements built.”

In Solana Beach, $850,000 will go to a multi-purpose path along the entire Lomas Santa Fe Corridor from the eastern boundary to Highway 101, as well as dedicated bike lanes, sidewalks and medians to help slow traffic.

Also, about $8 million will advance SANDAG and Caltrans projects across the county, including the the New Terminal 1 and other critically needed infrastructure projects at San Diego International Airport.

Port projects received close to $1 million.