November 15, 2005 > New funding for 13th District

by Drew Nannis

U.S. Representative Pete Stark (D-CA, 13th) has announced that nearly $2 million in local programs and projects will go to California's 13th district.

"Improving the services and infrastructure of the East Bay is a critical step to our continued progress," Stark said. "From improving child protective services and the capabilities of our local police, to maintaining harbor access and reconfiguring floodplain areas, these funds will positively affect the every day lives of residents of the 13th District."

The House of Representatives passed two appropriations conference reports, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for FY 2006 (H.R. 2419) and the Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act for FY 2006 (H.R. 2862). These bills represent a compromise between the separate House and Senate versions of the same bills passed earlier this year. Each bill funds the programs for its respective agencies for the upcoming fiscal year.

The complete list of projects for California's 13th District from the two bills follows:

Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriation Act for FY 2006

Alameda County: Children's Assessment Center - $300,000

The Center serves as a safe place where Child Protective Services workers can bring children when they have been removed from their homes. The Center is staffed by multi-disciplinary teams of professionals who make a full assessment as to the most appropriate placement decision for each child.

Fremont: Mobile Patrol Computing Program - $100,000

Allows the city to purchase laptop, touch screen, and printer modules for patrol cars, freeing up officers' time for police work rather than paperwork.

Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for FY 2006

San Leandro: Jack D. Maltester Channel//San Leandro Marina Dredging: $675,000

Maintains access to the nearest small-craft harbor serving southern Alameda County.

San Leandro: Estudillo Canal Reconnaissance Study: $750,000

Study improvements to strengthen the watershed so no houses are within the 100-year floodplain.

Fremont: Laguna Creek Watershed: $75,000

Study improvements to strengthen the watershed so no houses are within the 100-year floodplain.

Both conference reports will now head to the Senate where they are also expected to pass. The President is expected to sign the bills into law.