2024 Community Projects Funding Requests
Clean Transit Advancement Campus (CTAC)
Project Name: Clean Transit Advancement Campus (CTAC)
Request Amount: $5,000,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will build an all new zero-emission bus division for MTS and its future service expansion. Currently, MTS has five bus divisions with the primary functions of bus operations, maintenance, and administrative support. All five are at or near capacity, limiting MTS’s ability to electrify its fleet and add new services. This request will provide funding towards the design phase of the Clean Transit Advancement Campus (CTAC), MTS’s new zero-emission bus division.
It is critical for MTS to develop an additional bus division to resolve current capacity constraints, operate service throughout the transition without interruption, and meet the future space needs for complete fleet electrification. Both MTS’s Elevate SD and San Diego Association of Governments’ (SANDAG) 2050 Regional Transportation Plan envision a vast expansion of bus service in the coming years. These plans include converting existing bus routes to Rapid services, higher frequencies and longer spans on most bus routes, and new bus routes that will extend throughout the MTS service area.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will provide significant public benefits to the communities MTS serves in the County of San Diego, with approximately 31 million bus passengers every year. These benefits include additional job opportunities; zero-emission bus charging infrastructure; a LEED-certified facility; Envision Certification; advancement of zero-emission technologies; prioritization of clean, zero-emission transit services in disadvantaged communities; and enhancement and expansion of transit services to the region. This priority project will address a critical need for additional space, achieving mobility goals as well as zero-emission bus expansion.
In addition, construction of this project will incorporate on-site stormwater treatment, meaning all stormwater leaving the site and entering the adjacent watershed will be much cleaner than the water flowing from the site today.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by chapter 53 of title 49 of the United States Code.
Project Name: Wildfire Technology Commons
Request Amount: $4,700,000
Intended Recipient: University of California, San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
Request Explanation:
This project would fund the Wildfire Technology Commons (WTC) which aims to prevent death and destruction from wildfires through artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled, science-based decisions for fire mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The WTC will provide a platform with diverse, open and standardized data, AI, and next generation fire modeling capabilities to enable novel technological solutions for wildfire management. In collaboration with key stakeholders, including the fire response and mitigation communities, the WTC will leverage AI-enabled fire science to implement a joint vision for innovative and equitable approaches to proactive management of wildland fire challenges.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the WTC aims to significantly reduce destruction by wildland fires using data and AI as tools for next-generation fire models at the national scale. In 2020, the worst fire season yet, fires swept across 10 million acres in California, Oregon and Washington, killing dozens, destroying 10,000 structures, and causing $16 billion in property damage. Tens of thousands of firefighters risked their lives to fight the fires at a cost of $3.4 billion. Avoiding future wildfire disasters is a time-critical problem that requires practical solutions that build upon science and technology advances to understand fire behavior in our changing climate. Over the last decade, UC San Diego’s WIFIRE Lab at the San Diego Supercomputer Center has developed the first digital infrastructure to accelerate fire science and management through data, computing, and AI. Their efforts have transformed the way initial fire response is managed in California. However, even the most sophisticated approaches to fighting fires are reactive and cannot always control fire under extreme weather conditions. There is an urgent need to turn to proactive approaches to reducing the risk of severe fires.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes described in section 272 of title 15, United States Code.
Marie Widman Memorial Park Improvements
Project Name: Marie Widman Memorial Park Improvements
Request Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: University of California, San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would complete the design and construction of enhancements to increase the usage of Marie Widman Park and activity along the corridor, spurring economic development and sustainability for a historically under-resourced community. The Park is one of the foundational aspects of the newly designated Black Culture District. The improvements to the park include: upgrading the tot lot to meet state and federal requirements, repurposing the gymnasium for exhibits/events, hardscape/landscape, foot trails and gardens, park playground equipment upgrades, comfort station upgrades, lighting and electrical/wi-fi upgrades, crosswalk upgrades with specific design, streetscape and signage, bus shelter upgrades, and public artwork.
The project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the Marie Widman Memorial Park is in disrepair and needs rehabilitation to increase use and provide this historically disadvantaged community with an inviting outdoor recreation space. The Park is one of the foundational aspects of the newly designated Black Culture District and is a central component of the City’s economic development revitalization strategy for the area.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Project Name: Oak Park Library Construction
Request Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would fund the New Oak Park Branch Library. The project scope includes construction of a new 20,000 square foot double story library with a 16,650 square foot minimum parking lot and associated street entrance, inclusion of a book sorting facility, necessary infrastructure for technology upgrades and improvements, dedicated meeting and programming space, a dedicated children’s and teens’ area, sufficient office space for staff and sufficient restrooms.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the existing Oak Park Library is only 5,200 sq. ft. and is insufficient to meet the needs of the growing community. The existing library is too small to provide adequate programming and informational services to the library system and cannot support the technological or programmatic needs of the future. The proposed facility will be 20,000 sq. ft. and feature a new book sorting facility, computer lab, reader service area, informal reading/special feature area, reference area, multipurpose room, young adult area, children’s area and staff support areas.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Imperial Beach Pier Enhancement
Project Name: Imperial Beach Pier Enhancement
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: Port of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
The City of Imperial Beach is the proud home of the classic Imperial Beach Pier. Constructed in the 1960s, Imperial Beach Pier is an iconic feature along the beach, drawing both residents and tourists to the community. The Imperial Beach Pier Enhancement project consists of design and construction of pier deck extensions, canopy installation and railing replacement at the beach zone of the pier. The purpose of this project is to extend the width of the pier deck by about 8 feet on each side, construct a canopy over the extended deck, and replace the wood railings with steel cable railing at the location of the deck expansion.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the Imperial Beach Pier is a widely recognized landmark for the City of Imperial Beach and Port of San Diego, and a key part of the city’s downtown and economic vitality. The Port of San Diego and City of Imperial Beach are making a series of improvements to the iconic Imperial Beach Pier to activate and beautify it. The Pier is a well-loved feature at the heart of the City of Imperial beach, drawing both residents and tourists to the water and enriching the life of the city. A regional jewel and asset fundamental to the Port’s mission of public access and engagement on the waterfront, the Pier’s enhancements will bring decades of expanded social and economic value to Imperial Beach, the Port, the San Diego region, and Southern California communities. The goal of these enhancements is to encourage people to come explore and enjoy the Pier, experience its ocean and fresh air amenities, sights, and pleasures, and partake of the many services and offerings of the nearby oceanfront restaurants and businesses.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Historically Disadvantaged Small Business Revitalization
Project Name: Historically Disadvantaged Small Business Revitalization Program
Request Amount: $3,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would fund a Historically Disadvantaged Small Business Revitalization Program. In 2022, the San Diego City Council voted to designate eight city blocks in the Encanto neighborhood of San Diego to celebrate Black culture and the contributions Black San Diegans have made to the City. The new district, located in two historically disadvantaged census tracts, will run along Imperial Avenue from 61st to 69th Street.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the district will be a cultural destination, connected by the City’s growing trolley network, while promoting economic development opportunities for the community. The funding will support small business revitalization efforts along the corridor by supporting storefront improvements such as removing blight, repairing, and replacing building façade material, awnings, signage, window and door treatments, street lighting and other infrastructure improvements. The program will help the City’s goal of increasing foot traffic to this corridor and spur additional minority small business development in the community.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4).
Utility and Water Improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education
Project Name: Utility and Water Improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education
Request Amount: $2,354,734.05
Intended Recipient: San Diego Community College District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 3375 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108
Request Explanation:
This project would improve restrooms at the San Diego College of Continuing Education, which were constructed in the 1970s and require an upgrade. The restrooms are inefficient and use far more water than necessary, increasing our water expenses and posing health risks to our community. In addition, the restrooms do not meet current ADA standards, which creates barriers for individuals with disabilities and prevents them from fully participating in campus life.
This is a good use of taxpayer resources because there are substantial gains to a local community college by upgrading its restrooms with water-efficient fixtures. Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads would reduce water usage by up to 50%. This will lead to significant cost savings and help achieve sustainability goals. In addition, upgrading the restrooms will improve restroom hygiene and reduce health risks to the community. Installing touchless fixtures will reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, creating a healthier environment for the students, faculty, and staff. Ensuring ADA compliance in the restrooms is also critical. By making the restrooms accessible to individuals with disabilities, it can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. This will allow individuals with disabilities to participate in campus life fully, access all the campus areas, and pursue their educational and career goals without barriers.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Transit Center Relocation Project
Project Name: Transit Center Relocation Project
Request Amount: $2,310,366
Intended Recipient: Southwestern Community College District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 900 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project would relocate the existing transit station from the internal perimeter campus road to a location that is adjacent to the public street Otay Lakes Road. The relocation improves pedestrian and vehicle safety by eliminating perimeter road vehicle, pedestrian, ride share, and bus congestion. The project will also reduce air pollution caused by prolonged vehicle idling from the current congestion. The relocation also improves community accessibility to public transportation by locating the transit center adjacent to the public street Otay Lakes Road. Currently, community members must come onto the college’s campus to access the transit station. This new location will also improve ADA accessibility by removing the barrier of having to traverse through vehicle and pedestrian traffic to access the transit center. This project is a part of the college district's long-term planning as outlined in the 2022 Facility Vision Plan update.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will create significant public benefit by increasing the community's access to the busiest transit center east of I-805. The project also addresses a growing safety issue as vehicle, pedestrian, ride-share, and bus traffic congestion has increased and outgrown the infrastructure available through the college's internal two-lane perimeter road. The new location provides a decongested center that reduces idle time for public buses and ride-share vehicles, which also contributes to reducing air pollution and carbon footprint.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
University Avenue Densification Pilot Project
Project Name: University Avenue Densification Pilot Project
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: San Diego Housing Commission located at 1122 Broadway, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will help complete the predevelopment work for the densification of the Casa Colina Phase I Project located in the historically disadvantaged community of City Heights. The Casa Colina Phase I Project will enable the densification of a parcel that is presently home to a 75-unit low-income senior affordable housing property. Constructed in 1975, the property is now functionally obsolete and underdeveloped relative to its allowable potential. To facilitate development of the site, the units in the property must first be replaced. An adjacent parcel owned by San Diego County will accommodate these replacement units in a new project, Casa Colina Phase 1, which will be developed in partnership between the County and San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC).
The City of San Diego has been working to increase density on publicly owned parcels to increase affordable housing development, especially close to transit. This project will allow for increased density on public agency owned parcels to increase the number of affordable housing units on site as part of this broader project. The funds will be utilized to fund project due diligence, design, and construction financing efforts, including required environmental studies, architecture, civil engineering, and financing application and permit fees.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project will preserve existing affordable housing, add to affordable housing stock, and explore the potential of mixed-income housing development. In addition, the densification pilot will provide an example of regional collaboration between government agencies and show the impact of strategically using public land for affordable housing. Critically, the site provides the opportunity for a proof of concept for an electric affordable housing development. As the site is in a Transit Priority Area (TPA), the development will reduce automobile congestion and increase the use of alternative methods of transportation.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Community Resiliency Hub at Montgomery Waller Recreation Center
Project Name: Community Resilience Hub at Montgomery Waller Recreation Center
Request Amount: $1,505,300
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would fund a community resilience hub at Montgomery Waller Recreation Center in the historically disadvantaged community of Otay Mesa. This project will help advance smart grid technologies integrated with the power grid to support grid reliability, community resilience, and expand access to off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging capability. The project will utilize a renewable energy microgrid to reduce grid stress, manage peak demand charges, and increase access to EV charging in an underserved area during outage. Specifically, the City will deploy a renewable energy microgrid composed of a photovoltaic array paired with a battery energy storage system and microgrid controller hardware and software. The funds will be used for construction and equipment costs for the project.
The project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will provide increased grid resiliency and capacity at one of the City’s highest trafficked summer cooling centers (located in a historically disadvantaged community), support off-grid EV charging along a U.S DOT Alternative Fuel Corridor, and serve as a backup power source to a community recreation center.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
National City Wells Iron Manganese Removal System
Project Name: National City Wells Iron and Manganese Removal System
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: Sweetwater Authority
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: P.O. Box 2328, Chula Vista, CA 91912
Request Explanation:
The funding would be used to install an Iron and Manganese Removal System at the Sweetwater Authority’s National City Wells Facility. The National City Wells Iron and Manganese Removal System is a safe drinking water project that will improve the water quality provided to Sweetwater Authority customers in National City. Sweetwater Authority currently extracts water from the San Diego Formation Aquifer, which is an important and inexpensive source of water for the community. The groundwater contains naturally occurring minerals that accumulate in the water distribution system. Although iron and manganese levels at the National City Wells Facility are below the secondary maximum contaminant levels for both iron and manganese, these metals precipitate and accumulate within the distribution system over time and are resuspended due to operational activities, maintenance activities, and disruptions caused by knocked off fire hydrants or water main breaks. The resuspension of iron and manganese within the distribution system has led to discolored water complaints by residents in National City.
The project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will improve the water quality for Sweetwater Authority customers in National City, a disadvantaged community located in San Diego County. Currently, groundwater minerals, specifically iron and manganese, accumulate in the water distribution system resulting in sediment that can cause red/brown discolored water. Many National City residents have expressed concerns and are worried to drink discolored water. These concerns often result in residents relying on more expensive options such as bottled water. The project will assist the Sweetwater Authority with meeting the needs of its customers, reduce residents’ reliance on bottled water, while also keeping rates low for the disadvantaged community.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Section 1452 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. 300j-12.
Barrio Logan Freeway Lid Parks
Project Name: Barrio Logan Freeway Lid Parks
Request Amount: $1,300,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 401 B, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will consist of an existing conditions analysis, extensive public outreach, a feasibility assessment and selection of alternatives, conceptual designs, and preliminary engineering for building freeway lids in Barrio Log. Currently, the I-5 dissects the Barrio Logan/Logan Heights community; and the I-5/SR-75 interchange and Coronado Bridge further dissects Barrio Logan on the west side of I-5. There are few roads that cross I-5 to connect Barrio Logan and Logan Heights.
Many residential streets terminate at frontage roads on either side of I-5, forcing traffic to funnel through the few cross-freeway connectors. The relative scarcity of these connections coupled with freeway on- and off-ramps at key crossing points create a hostile landscape for people walking and biking. There are no bike lanes on any of the roads traversing I-5, despite Barrio Logan being a major destination for active transportation due to its proximity to the bayfront. Transit is also fragmented, lacking important connections across most of the freeway right of way. In order to cross between the two neighborhoods via transit, residents must take a bus or trolley into downtown San Diego and transfer to another route to re-enter the community on the opposite side.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because a freeway lid that reconnects the communities of would allow for easy non-motorized connections between the two communities that can only reasonably be achieved today via automobile in a circuitous route. Residents in Barrio Logan needing to access the only local library, post office, health care facilities, and high schools must travel to Logan Heights via automobiles or travel via bus that takes up to three times as long. When coupled with other mobility enhancements, freeway lids would provide safe, direct paths of travel for transit and active transportation to community amenities and additional recreation along the waterfront and within the neighborhood.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Project Name: Safe Parking SD Expansion
Request Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 401 B, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project would fund the expansion of the City of San Diego’s Safe Parking Program to provide overnight Safe Parking for unhoused San Diegans sleeping in their vehicles. The City has seen a significant increase in its unhoused population living in cars/vans and would like to expand this successful model to other sites throughout the City of San Diego. The City currently operates three Safe Parking sites and this funding will allow the City to expand this model to additional sites to serve vulnerable San Diegans.
The funds will be utilized for capital costs to adapt identified sites for use as a Safe Parking facility. Specifically, the use of funds for site preparation include: trenching and connecting shower trailers to water and sewer lines, installation permanent electrical connections to support items such as lighting, power for office trailers, and Wi-Fi; installing security features such as fencing; purchasing storage containers and other start up supplies; and designating the layout appropriate striping of the parking lot for vehicle spaces.
This request is a good use of taxpayer funds because the City has seen a substantial increase in its unhoused population living in vehicles. As these individuals and families work to lift themselves up out of a difficult situation, many are making a nightly choice between buying food or purchasing gas to get to work and/or school. We know that many of these people are in this situation because of the pandemic, which has exacerbated income inequality, and due to increased housing costs across Southern California. With three existing sites currently in operation throughout the City, the Safe Parking Program provides a welcoming environment, meaningful resources and tools, and dignified support to help families stabilize and transition back into permanent housing.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Project Name: San Ysidro Mobility Hub
Request Amount: $927,777.78
Intended Recipient: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 401 B, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will continue conceptual planning and engineering work towards transforming the San Ysidro Transit Center and surrounding neighborhood into a vibrant mobility hub with a cohesive approach to land use and transportation that will reinvigorate the community, rebuild community connections, and improve access to the regional transit system.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the San Ysidro Mobility Hub is a priority project in the RTP, City of San Diego Climate Action Plan (CAP), and California-Baja California Border Master Plan (BMP). A full CPF award would support planning, outreach, and conceptual engineering to develop design scenarios for the future Mobility Hub facility, conceptual site plans for transit supportive amenities throughout the community (e.g., shared mobility services, bike, and pedestrian improvements, etc.), priority access solutions for border crossers to encourage mode shift and reduce border congestion, and develop recommendations for transit supportive land use and urban design elements. The San Ysidro Transit Center has 13,000 daily transit boardings making it the second busiest station in the region despite only being served by one light rail line and two local bus routes. The RTP identifies San Ysidro as a key location for Mobility Hub investment given its binational significance, high demand, and opportunity to encourage mode shift.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Blue Line Passenger Variable Message Sign (VMS) and Public Address (PA) System Upgrades Project
Project Name: Blue Line Passenger Variable Message Sign (VMS) and Public Address (PA) System Upgrades Project
Request Amount: $882,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1255 Imperial Avenue, Suite 1000, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
The Blue Line Passenger Variable Messaging Sign (VMS) Upgrades project will replace aging infrastructure at 12 of the Blue Lines stations. The Blue Line is a 26-mile light rail line in the MTS service area. The route operates from the U.S./Mexico International Border, San Ysidro to University Towne Center, La Jolla. The Blue Line has the highest ridership of the San Diego Trolley's three regular lines, transporting over 17 million riders during 2022. The Blue Line supports travel to and from jobs, healthcare visits, groceries and leisure trips for the various communities surrounding the operating line.
Maintaining the safety and positive customer experience of MTS’s passengers and the communities served is top priority. Ensuring passengers have technology that display correct and adequate service information or safety updates is critical for the community members utilizing public transit. Currently, the line is served by VMS that are nearly 10 years old and have limited capabilities. This funding will allow MTS to upgrade the remaining VMS signs along the 12 Blue Line rail stations to the latest technology. The new signs will support greater display flexibility to provide a combination of real-time train arrivals and departures, incorporation of connecting services, provision of important messages to convey to passengers, and promotional opportunities.
This request is a good use of taxpayer funds because the project will replace aging infrastructure by upgrading passenger information signs and public address systems, while maintaining state of good repair. The new passenger variable message signs and PA system upgrades will provide a combination of real-time train arrivals and departures, incorporation of connecting services, provision of important messages to convey to passengers, and promotional opportunities. This will improve the overall customer service experience and improve safety by being able to immediately notify passengers of emergency situations.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by chapter 53 of title 49 of the United States Code.