Padilla Secures Over $15 Million for Eight Projects Across the Inland Empire

PALM SPRINGS, CA - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that he secured over $15.4 million in federal funding for eight projects across the Inland Empire through Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills. This funding is part of the $241,794,366 in total Congressionally Directed Spending funding that Padilla delivered for California for FY 2026.

"I am proud to help secure millions in federal funding to support transformative projects that will deliver lasting improvements for Inland Empire communities," said Senator Padilla. "These investments will support local governments and non-profits working on the ground in our communities. They will help protect the air quality and ecosystem around the Salton Sea, streamline the Palm Springs Airport passenger experience, bolster mental health care, and improve public safety in the region. As Californians struggle with the rising cost of living under President Trump's harmful economic agenda, these crucial investments will make a tangible difference for Inland Empire residents."

Projects across the Inland Empire that will receive federal funding include:

• Salton Sea Research Project - $4 million: This funding will support a project to expand, stabilize, and restore emerging wetlands in a way that also addresses dust pollution near the town of Bombay Beach along the Salton Sea.

• Palm Springs International Airport Inline Baggage Handling System Improvement Project - $3 million: This project upgrades the inline baggage handling system at Palm Springs International Airport to improve passenger processing efficiency and security screening.

• New Victorville Police Station Technology Advancement to Develop Real Time Crime and Viewing Center - $3 million: This funding will support the development of a real time crime and viewing center to enhance criminal investigation, police response, and crime prevention.

• Facilities and Equipment to Construct a Behavioral Health Facility (Ridgecrest Regional Hospital) - $1.80 million: This funding will be used to create a new facility dedicated to mental and behavioral health services.

• Imperial Streams Salton Sea Feasibility Study - $1.76 million: This project will support continued work on the Salton Sea/Imperial Streams Feasibility Study, which is proceeding under the Corps' ecosystem restoration authority.

• Heli-hydrant Project - $1 million: This funding will support additional heli-hydrants to protect the community of Jurupa Valley.

• Rural Mental Health Program (Barstow Community College District) - $750,000: This funding will help establish a program to provide comprehensive mental health services to benefit students and the general population.

• Water Reuse Projects (Hi Desert Water District) - $150,000: This project will implement water reuse strategies to produce a sustainable recycled water supply and preserve groundwater storage within Warren Valley basin.

More information on these appropriations bills is available here, here, and here.

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