City of Coachella details $22-million grant for local community sustainability projects

The City of Coachella announced new details Tuesday on a $22.12-million Transformative Climate Communities Program Grant from the state of California.

Coachella was up against several other large cities around the state, but was ultimately awarded the grant for its extensive research and proposals for future sustainability projects.

"For the project area. It's huge," said Jerry Rivero, the project manager for the Transformative Climate Communities Program. "It's a huge investment, particularly because our program focuses on investing in under invested communities, communities that have been left outside of these investments, cycles for years and years and years.”

The grant stems from the California Strategic Growth Council. The city of Coachella has agreed to match the state grant, which will be given to the city in installments over the next five years. The funds will be used to invest in projects that fight climate change, improve clean transportation, as well as improve the community's sustainability.

“This is really really meaningful to the city," said Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez. "When you think about the nonprofits and city staff that have all collaborated on this project it shows you hard work does pay off.”

The mayor says he's been trying to get funding approved since 2017.

“It really creates a sense of community, it really creates a sense that the state and city can work together. We’re on a roll in Coachella and this project brings a lot of meaning and validation to the work that’s happening here too,” said Hernandez.

Some of the projects already being planning by the mayor and City Council include building additional bike lanes, parks, and a senior community center. Funding will pay for outreach and job training programs for students, as well as provide opportunities for families in the farm working communities. It will also bring in dozens of affordable housing units for seniors and a fleet of Teslas for city use. Additionally, Coachella will improve its charging infrastructure to support the growing network of electric vehicles.

The grant will also be used to fund solar panel installation across the city.

The EPA has set aside$7-million for this project as well, but thhe City of Coachella hopes to earn additional funding from the federal government for these efforts over the next year. Projects ar expected to begin next year, and could be completed by 2025.

Since its inception, the TCC grant has given out more than $424-million around the state.