Thompson Secures Key District Priorities and $3.73 Million for Local Lake County Projects

Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that $3,738,600 for three projects in Lake County is included in the final 2023 appropriations government funding bill. This funding includes $2,000,000 for the Burns Valley Sports Complex and Recreation Center, $988,600 for the Lakeport Armory Facility Repurposing Project, and $750,000 for the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project.

“Working with local leaders to identify projects that will help our community is one of my top priorities every year,” said Thompson. “I am proud that three vital projects in Lake County were included in the government funding bill passed today. These projects will boost local revenue, create jobs, provide state-of-the-art first responder facilities, improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and restore wetlands.

“Proud to have secured this funding and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this bill into law.”

“The Burns Valley Sports Complex is one of the most transformative projects we are working on for our community. We are so appreciative of Congressman Thompson’s support and that he is back representing the City of Clearlake!  The $2 million contribution is the last piece of the funding puzzle that we expect will allow us to break ground in 2023,” said Clearlake Mayor Dirk Slooten.

These community projects are so vital to the growth of Lake County.  I thank Congressman Thompson for being the continuing champion in advocacy and representation for Lake County.  When I was first seated in 2019, when I heard about the National Guard Armory I was wondering what path would be taken and here we are with more funding to bring that to fruition,” said Eddie Crandell, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors.

“The Middle Creek restoration project has been on-going for at least 30 years.  We know Congressman Thompson is very familiar with the amount of impact this project will have on the health and revitalization of the Lake. The funding for this project will assist in another foundational reserve that gives the Army Corps more indication that Lake County is serious about bringing this project to the finish line for the people of Lake County.

“The Sports Complex will provide a place for the youth and families to gather and spend time at a venue that is seriously lacking in Lake County. Kids need more to do and families need more positive places to share memories. This project will provide that very place. Again, I would like to thank Congressman Thompson, his colleagues and his staff that have supported us with the funding Lake County so desperately needs!”

The funding amounts for projects in Lake County included in the government funding bill are:

• $2,000,000 for the Clearlake Burns Valley Sports Complex and Recreation Center Project which will support the construction of a large sports and recreation center complete with baseball fields, soccer fields, a 20,000 square foot rec center, a small amount of retail space, a public works corporation yard, and an 80-unit affordable housing project.
• $988,600 for Lake County to rehabilitate and repurpose a decommissioned National Guard Armory facility for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s Emergency Operations Center.
• $750,000 for the Middle Creek Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Project which will restart an authorized Corps of Engineers project, Middle Creek, CA, to reduce flood and catastrophic loss, improve water quality, and restore vital wetlands habitat with cultural significance for the surrounding tribal communities.

Rep. Thompson also secured $3.7 billion for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP, formerly known as WHIP+) for agricultural losses sustained in 2022 due to wildfires, drought, freeze, and other natural disasters. Our growers have been facing an unprecedented drought, and this program will help producers to rebuild and recover by providing financial assistance to cover a portion of their losses. This program is important because it helps to ensure that farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to continue operating their businesses, even in the face of natural disasters. It also helps to stabilize rural communities and keep the agricultural sector strong, which is vital for maintaining a secure and reliable food supply for the country.

Thompson also secured $1,205,966 for UC Davis to acquire two pieces of equipment which are essential for grape smoke exposure research in our district. Research on smoke taint is vital to help winemakers and grape growers better understand the effects of smoke taint, as well as develop strategies for mitigating its impact. This is important because smoke taint can significantly reduce the value and marketability of affected wines, which can have serious economic consequences for the wine community.

This bill passed the Senate by vote of 68-29. The bill passed the House by a vote of 225-201-1. It will now go to President Biden’s desk for his signature. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.