Meaningful Funding Available to District 51 under the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024
SACRAMENTO, CA—Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) announced today that the $10 billion climate resiliency bond approved by the California State Legislature for the November ballot includes significant investments in District 51 and nearby areas:
- $81.5 Million - Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
- $48 Million - Baldwin Hills Conservancy
- $80 Million - Los Angeles River Watershed & Revitalization Plan
If approved by voters, under the bond the Baldwin Hills Conservancy and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy will each receive up to $48 million to reduce the risks of climate change impacts upon communities, fish and wildlife, and natural resources. The conservancies can also use the funding to enhance or expand conservation efforts required by mitigation. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy will also receive $33.5 million dedicated to watershed improvement, wildfire resilience, forest restoration, and workforce development that creates career pathways for people from disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations.
Up to $80 million in funding is allocated to meet the goals outlined in the Los Angeles River Master Plan, which includes improving the upper and lower Los Angeles River's climate resiliency to enhance the river's natural environment, improve flood management, and increase public access to recreational spaces.
"California stands at a crossroads where action against climate change is not just urgent, but essential," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood). "If approved by the voters, this bond will help California transition away from dirty fossil fuel energy, provide clean water to our communities and make our water supplies more climate resilient, help vulnerable communities cope with extreme heat, and fund conservation and climate resiliency programs across the state. This historic bond measure gives voters the opportunity to commit to a healthier, safer, and more resilient California."
Also included in the climate resiliency bond is more than $1.6 billion in competitive grants open to projects that will benefit District 51 and the Los Angeles area:
- $870 Million - Wildlife Conservation Board (Fish & Wildlife Protections)
- $610 Million - State Water Resources Control Board (Water Quality Improvement)
- $100 Million - Natural Resources Board (Urban Greening)
- $50 Million - Office of Planning & Research (Extreme Heat & Community Resilience)
If approved by voters, this funding will support efforts to protect fish and wildlife resources and habitats, improve water quality to help provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water, create green streets, alleyways, parks, and schoolyards, and combat rising temperatures and extreme heat.
"I am grateful for the broad coalition that championed this crucial investment in California's future," said Assemblymember Zbur. "The exceptional leadership of Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire, along with Assemblymembers Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) and Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) and the Senate joint authors, were key in propelling this historic legislation forward. I would also like to acknowledge the vital contributions of the Assembly Climate Working Group, which included me and Assemblymembers Dawn Addis (D-San Luis Obispo), Isaac Bryan (D-Culver City), Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael), Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), and Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced)."
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.
CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, Vienna.Montague@asm.ca.gov