FY26 Projects and Disclosures
Beta Street Channel and Storm Drain Improvement Project
Project Name: Beta Street Channel and Storm Drain Improvement Project
Request Amount: $6,200,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C St. San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project aims to alleviate flooding in the Southcrest community of San Diego by enhancing the drainage capacity of Chollas Creek and improving the drainage system to contain a 100-year storm event—safeguarding the community from potential flood risks. The existing flooding condition poses significant health and safety concerns for area residents, making the improvement crucial for the well-being of the community. The project consists of several components including a pump station, channel widening, a berm, flap gates, regrading, a concrete V-ditch, new storm drains, inlets and a new trail.
On January 22nd, 2024, the City of San Diego faced an unprecedented storm event. As a result, the community surrounding the South Las Chollas Creek Channel faced severe flooding and property damage resulting in a major federal disaster declaration. This capital improvement project would help provide much needed infrastructure enhancements that would also help mitigate future flooding impacts from severe storms.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because restoring the channel and establishing wetlands have significant direct benefits to water quality by filtering pollutants and contaminants from stormwater runoff. The project will also increase the capacity of the community’s drainage system to contain a 100-year storm event. Currently, the existing drainage system is unable to contain a 2-year storm event.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
City of San Diego Drone Spotter Detection System
Project Name: Drone Spotter Detection System
Request Amount: $275,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA, 92101
Request Explanation:
Over the last decade, drone flights have increased. Sophisticated criminal elements and terrorist networks are using drones for reconnaissance, counterintelligence, delivery of illegal contraband, and even as a use of force for explosive based terrorist attacks. In addition to this, use of drones by the public in a careless manner has led to major public safety concerns. In recent months during wildfire incidents, civilian drone hobbyists have flown drones in the vicinity of active brush fires. The illegal flights of these drones during these events have caused Fire Response aircraft to divert their mission to drop fire retardant. The resulting outcome has led to risk of lives and major property damage due to fire responders not being able to use critical aerial support. The SDPD and the City of San Diego do not currently have the capability to effectively respond to these incidents.
The purchase of a drone spotter detection system for the San Diego Police Department is a good use of federal funds because a drone spotter detection system will allow law enforcement and other City services–including the fire department–to monitor illegal, unsafe, or terrorist activity in selected areas when needed for enhanced protection. The information provided by the system will allow the authorities to locate the equipment as well as the operator and contact them within minutes so they can be directed to cease their drone flights. In the wildfire incidents, the ability to contact drone operators and stop dangerous activities so the Fire air support crew can drop retardant material, has the potential to save millions of dollars of property damage and numerous lives.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 10152.
Discover UC San Diego
Project Name: Discover UC San Diego
Request Amount: $2,160,000
Intended Recipient: University of California San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92092
Request Explanation:
Discover UC San Diego (Discover) offers high school students the opportunity to explore and earn college credit in STEMM-related majors at UC San Diego. The requested funding will be used to develop three additional STEMM-related courses to help prepare students for the growing workforce demand for STEMM skills, including skills aligned with NASA's space- and earth-oriented missions and objectives.
This unique program allows high-school students to get a head start on their road to a college degree, explore and find interest in a college major, and prove to themselves that they can succeed at a world-class college. By providing online courses at no/low cost, offering wraparound supports, and focusing outreach on under-resourced schools, Discover expands access to college-level courses throughout San Diego and Imperial County. The requested funding will greatly expand Discover’s impact, allowing the program to reach around 1,000 students a year and add three additional STEMM-related courses.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the funding will greatly expand access to college-level STEMM courses while preparing students for their prospective major and helping them graduate on time. Discover courses will be offered online to high school students in California at no/low cost to the learner. The course curriculum aligns with actual required major courses at UCSD and are fully transferrable to any university accepting UC San Diego credit. Discover students will be able to complete up to three courses, earning 12 to 15 major-specific course credits that jump start their progress towards earning a degree.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by section 20102 of title 51, United States Code. In particular, the project will offer high school students the opportunity to explore and earn college credit in STEMM-related majors at UC San Diego, with a focus on coursework aligned with NASA's mission and objectives, including coursework focused on astronomy and the planet, as well as applied skills in engineering, technology, and international cooperation, all of which serve to advance NASA’s core priorities under the Safety, Security, and Mission Services (SSMS) initiative.
El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center
Project Name: El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center
Request Amount: $7,000,000
Intended Recipient: City of National City
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1243 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950
Request Explanation:
The project would complete the design and construction of a new, energy efficient multipurpose community center at El Toyon Park in National City, CA. The current 7,000 square foot community center is over 50 years old and has exceeded its useful life. Due to safety concerns and lack of funding for major maintenance and/or facility replacement, the City was forced to close the facility for public use in June 2024. This represents the second community / recreation center that the City needed to close in the past five years due to public safety concerns.
With a population of approximately 60,000 residents, the community is significantly underserved with access to community centers, recreation centers, and libraries. The El Toyon Multipurpose Community Center will begin to address these needs by delivering a 10,000 square foot facility consisting of an entry corridor, lobby and reception area, community room, multi-use space, library with study rooms and computer area, outdoor courtyard with shade structure, public restrooms, landscaping, public art, and accessible parking.
The project is a good use of taxpayer resources because construction of a new multipurpose community center would provide access to recreational and educational opportunities for families and children of this historically disadvantaged community.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Fire Engine for the Bonita Sunnyside Fire Protection District
Project Name: New Bonita Fire Engine
Request Amount: $2,000,000
Intended Recipient: Bonita Sunnyside Fire Protection District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 4900 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the acquisition of a new fire engine to replace an engine that has been in frontline services for 12 years—longer than the recommended timeframe for replacing a frontline engine. The new truck will expand frontline capacity and enable the BSFPD to staff multiple engines during large disasters, while still complying with required maintenance schedules and safety standards. Eight of the ten largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the last five years. In this time of increasing fire risk, more equipment is needed to protect our community effectively. The BSFPD serves over 18,000 individuals across a seven square mile service area—including commercial developments as well as parklands and conservation areas. A new fire engine would allow the Department to respond more promptly to all of the 1,800 emergency calls that it receives over an average year. In particular, the Department plans to acquire a Type 1 fire engine with a 500-gallon poly tank and 2000 GPM PTO driven pump with an inline Compressed Air Foam System and associated 30-gallon tank.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the new fire engine will be in service for ten years in a frontline capacity and another ten years in a reserve capacity.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a).
Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project
Project Name: Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project
Request Amount: $5,100,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
The City of San Diego is requesting $5,100,000 to partially fund the Jamacha Drainage Channel Upgrade Storm Water Drain Project construction phase. The Project is in the Skyline/Paradise Hills community within the Chollas Creek Watershed. This area is prone to frequent floods during small storm events. This condition creates a health and safety issue for residents as well as impacting the natural habitat of adjacent areas and nearby public amenities. The implementation of this project will provide opportunities to restore the natural habitat by re-vegetating the adjacent area. The proposed improvements include culvert improvements at Cadman and Woodman Street, upsizing the existing storm drain system upstream of Beacon Drive, widening the existing stream channel in multiple locations, upsizing culverts at 68th Street and 69th Street, and creating wetlands for habitat restoration.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because restoring the channel and establishing wetlands have significant direct benefits to water quality by filtering pollutants and contaminants from stormwater runoff. Additionally, wetlands provide significant ecological benefits by supporting diverse wildlife habitats, improving air quality by carbon sequestration, and reducing flood risk by absorbing large amounts of water. These additional flood benefits are especially important because in January 2024 San Diego County saw record flooding that prompted President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by Title VI of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C 1381 et seq.
Marina Way Realignment
Project Name: Marina Way Realignment
Request Amount: $1,200,000
Intended Recipient: Port of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 3165 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
This project will better connect surface streets to the interstate highway, creating a natural separation between maritime, industrial, and commercial land uses to more efficiently accommodate both public recreation and cargo-handling activity. It will do so by realigning approximately 1,400 linear feet of Marina Way so that it runs parallel with the rail-track connector that moves freight to and from the National City Marine Terminal. This realignment not only involves moving the street but also relocating all utilities, including electrical, sewer, and water.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the realignment of Marina Way will improve land use in the area by expanding public access in West National City and improving the configuration of commercial, recreational, and maritime uses. The Marina Way realignment is at the heart of the National City Balanced Plan, which aims to address the longstanding freight needs at the National City Marine Terminal that sits adjacent to the National City Marina District. The project also has the non-freight benefit of creating a more contiguous commercial business footprint that is not bifurcated by a roadway and expansion of public access amenities and acreage at Pepper Park. In addition, this realignment will better balance freight access to critical corridors with residents’ ability to access recreational amenities on the San Diego Bay, thereby creating a better waterfront experience for the community and general public.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Moosa Canyon Pipeline
Project Name: Moosa Canyon Pipeline Project
Request Amount: $1,500,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego County Water Authority
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 4677 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
Request Explanation:
This project will fund the replacement of portions of Pipelines 3, 4, and 5 within Moosa Creek to ensure that a reliable water supply can continue to users, while also protecting a community from a potential failure that could lead to the flooding of a section of the I-15 freeway. This project is critical in supporting the Water Authority’s mission to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 23 member agencies by providing a long-term solution to the significant risks identified.
The project would fund the construction of a pipeline tunnel for all three pipelines to cross beneath Moosa Creek. This project would provide both flooding and seismic resiliency by relocating the pipelines within a tunnel casing and below the 500-year scour limit, near bedrock depth—thus, mitigating the threat zones within Moosa Canyon and the I-15 freeway. Slope stabilization measures would also be constructed along the three pipeline alignments on the canyon slopes, such as rock anchor supports and vertical pile supports, to provide a robust system capable of withstanding significant ground movement.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project will ensure that the community continues to receive a reliable water supply and protects against potential failure that would impact water supply, the community, and the I-15 freeway.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Palomar Motel - Permanent Supportive Housing
Project Name: Palomar Motel - Permanent Supportive Housing
Request Amount: $8,400,000
Intended Recipient: City of Chula Vista
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 276 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project will support the City of Chula Vista’s plan to convert a recently acquired motel into affordable housing. To date, only 30 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) beds have been created in this Region, compared to the 6,865 PSH beds in the entire San Diego County. This disparity emphasizes the need for equitable distribution of supportive housing resources across the region.
The project consists of converting 31 motel units into long-term housing units, a new community space for property management offices, onsite services, case management, and a lounge area for residents. Each of the units would be fully renovated and equipped with a full bathroom and kitchenette. In addition, the property would be modified to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Supportive services offered for the duration of the residency will include, but are not limited to, case management, outreach services, substance abuse treatment services, and legal services. The comprehensive approach, which combines housing with supportive services, has proven to be effective in breaking the cycle of homelessness and empowering individuals to regain independence. The ability to produce additional permanent supportive housing units is an essential component in addressing homelessness and providing stability for vulnerable elderly, individuals, and families. Through this program, individuals facing homelessness will not only have access to safe and stable housing but will also receive the necessary support services to help them rebuild their lives and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because funds to support the addition of PSH units in this area of the County is vital for meeting the needs of the homeless population in the community and ensuring equity in access to stable housing and supportive services. The project’s objective is to provide Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), integrating affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services to address the needs of chronically homeless individuals and elders. PSH has a proven track record of reducing chronic homelessness while promoting housing stability and improving overall health outcomes.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2) and (a)(4).
San Ysidro Transit Center Improvements
Project Name: San Ysidro Transit Center Improvements
Request Amount: $4,000,000
Intended Recipient: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1011 Union St Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the primary gateway between the U.S. and Mexico and one of the busiest border crossings in the world. Today, over 90,000 people cross northbound through this port daily resulting in a dynamic binational culture, workforce, and economy. Nearly 20,000 of these daily crossers do so as pedestrians landing immediately at the San Ysidro Transit Center (SYTC). For decades this station has been an anchor connecting community residents, regional travelers, and the cross-border population to the rest of the region. Today, the Blue Line Trolley has some of the highest ridership of any light rail line in the country with 13,000 daily riders boarding at SYTC alone. Despite its workload and importance to the region, state, and country, the station faces significant challenges impacting safety, connectivity, and efficiency. These issues have persisted for more than 20 years since the site was last reconfigured.
This project will address these long-standing issues via station redesign. The primary benefits of the project include removal of dangerous pedestrian/vehicular conflicts, enhancement of station accessibility and ADA compliance, and the addition of much needed capacity for critical rail and bus service. In addition, the project will complete the final link of a regional bikeway, widen sidewalks and curbs, improve lighting and signage, and introduce placemaking and pedestrian-oriented design features to improve the urban environment at and around the station.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because it will address long-standing issues impacting pedestrian safety, accessibility, and operational capacity at the existing station San Ysidro Transit Center. Increased transit accessibility also has the potential to cut down on wait times for nearly 50,000 vehicles that currently queue for several hours each day to pass through the Port of Entry.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(1) and (a)(5).
Streamview Drive Safety Improvements Project
Project Name: Streamview Drive Safety Improvements Project
Request Amount: $4,700,000
Intended Recipient: City of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 202 C Street, Floor 11, San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
Streamview Drive, located in the economically disadvantaged Eastern Area community within the City of San Diego, is a wide local collector street prone to speeding from cut-through vehicles. The Project will make necessary transportation infrastructure improvements along 1.3 miles of Streamview Drive to increase safety and enhance mobility for all road users. The project will install five roundabouts to calm traffic, reduce vehicle speeds, and decrease the likelihood and severity of collisions. The Project will construct raised medians, pedestrian refuges, and bulb-outs to shorten crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility. The Project will also install separated bike lanes, upgrade bus stops, close gaps in the sidewalk network, and install ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps to create a more accessible and safer corridor for the community.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because the project’s transportation infrastructure upgrades will improve the quality of life for the community by building in safety for all road users, especially the most vulnerable such as people walking, biking, or experiencing personal mobility impairments.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 23 U.S.C. 133(b)(2).
Sustainable Infrastructure at Southwestern College
Project Name: Sustainable Infrastructure at Southwestern College
Request Amount: $7,000,000
Intended Recipient: Southwestern Community College District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 900 Otay Lakes Road, Bldg.12, Rm 100, Chula Vista CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project will fund sustainable infrastructure improvements at Southwestern Community College District (SCCD), including electrical transformer upgrades and upgrades to recycled water irrigation. In particular, the funds would allow SCCD to assess and replace outdated transformers with energy-efficient alternatives; implement smart grid technology for improved monitoring and management of electrical systems; and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations to ensure reliable power supply. It would also fund the campus’s conversion to recycled water irrigation, including the installation of new irrigation infrastructure capable of utilizing recycled water; the integration of smart irrigation technology for optimized water usage; and collaboration with local water authorities to establish sustainable water sourcing and distribution.
The pressing need for infrastructure improvements at the 63-year-old institution cannot be overstated. Recently, the campus lost one day of instruction due to aging electrical infrastructure that caused power outages on the Chula Vista campus. In addition, many community uses, such as youth sports leagues, were disrupted due to the power outage.
This project is a good use of taxpayer resources because not only will this project enhance the quality of education and overall campus experience, it will also yield significant environmental and sustainability benefits. By investing in water-use-reduction strategies and electrical-system upgrades, the campus can substantially decrease its environmental footprint while simultaneously cutting operational costs. By implementing measures to reduce reliance on traditional utility sources, such as upgrading irrigation systems to use recycled water and improving electrical infrastructure, the campus will not only maintain valued, community outdoor spaces but it will also demonstrate responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Also, by reducing general fund expenditures on utilities through increased efficiency and sustainability measures, the campus will ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized in the most cost-effective manner possible.
The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(2).
Disclosure Statement
Sweetwater Authority Sodium Hypochlorite Chlorination System
Project Name: Sweetwater Authority Sodium Hypochlorite Chlorination System
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: Sweetwater Authority
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Request Explanation:
This project would replace the current gaseous chlorine system with a safer sodium hypochlorite (industrial strength bleach) chlorination system. The potential risks associated with sodium hypochlorite are considerably lower than those of gaseous chlorine, so replacing the gaseous chlorination system with sodium hypochlorite chlorination would significantly enhance both employee and community safety. The current gaseous chlorination system lacks a chlorine gas scrubber, which is crucial for containing large chlorine leaks safely. Because, unlike a gaseous system, a sodium hypochlorite system does not necessitate a gas scrubber, these upgrades will further enhance safety.
This project is a good use of federal funds because it will support the safer operation of the Perdue Water Treatment Plant, which is essential to providing drinking water service to approximately 200,000 people in National City, Bonita, and western and central portions of Chula Vista, California–a service area that is primarily made up of areas of persistent poverty and historically disadvantaged communities.
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.
Tijuana River Revitalization
Project Name: Tijuana River Revitalization
Request Amount: $1,000,000
Intended Recipient: County of San Diego
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 1600 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Request Explanation:
For many decades, polluted water flowing from Mexico through the Tijuana River has been a persistent environmental hazard for residents of the South Bay region of San Diego. This project would rehabilitate property owned by the County of San Diego by removing trash, debris, and non-native plant species from a critical habitat area immediately downstream of federal infrastructure and property. The area–which is located within the Tijuana River Valley and adjacent to Dairy Mart Pond–is currently inundated with debris and non-native vegetation, which often leads to an accumulation of sediment and debris and reduced hydrological function. By removing trash, debris, and non-native vegetation and installing irrigation and native plants, the project will rehabilitate the area and allow for a more efficient flow of the river in this portion of the Tijuana River.
This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because removing trash and debris and installing native plants will help to mitigate environmental hazards and facilitate a more efficient flow of the river. By rehabilitating and revitalizing this portion of the Tijuana River Valley, the project will also improve the overall quality of life for San Diego County residents.
The project has a Federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes authorized by 42 USC 5305(2) and (4).
Utility and Water Improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education - Phase 2
Project Name: Utility and Water Improvements at San Diego College of Continuing Education - Phase 2
Request Amount: $1,854,735
Intended Recipient: San Diego Community College District
Full Street Address of Intended Recipient: 4343 Ocean View Blvd, San Diego, CA 92113
Request Explanation:
This project would complete the second phase of rehabilitating and improving facilities at the San Diego College of Continuing Education to execute critical ADA accessibility upgrades. These updates would include installing ADA compliant elevators and barrier-free exterior ramps; modernizing restrooms with accessible fixtures and turning radii; widening interior corridors and doorways for mobility devices clearance; and upgrading emergency egress routes. The current facilities–which were constructed in the 1970s–are not only inefficient and use far more energy and water than necessary, they also do not meet current ADA standards.
This is a good use of taxpayer resources because there are substantial gains to a local community college by upgrading its facilities. Installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads would reduce water usage by up to 50%, leading to significant cost savings. Similarly, replacing the 1970s-era elevator with an energy-efficient model and LED lighting will also trim electricity consumption and lead to cost savings. Ensuring ADA compliance is also critical. By making the campus more accessible to individuals with disabilities, the project will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. This will, in turn, 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) and (a)(5).