Thompson Secures Key District Priorities and $6.8 Million for Local Sonoma County Projects
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that $6,800,000 for three projects in Sonoma County is included in the final 2023 appropriations government funding bill. This funding includes $4,000,000 for the Roseland Boys and Girls Club Project, $1,500,000 for the State Route 121/12/8th Street East Intersection Improvements Project, and $1,300,000 for the Providence Rohnert Park House Project.
“Working with local Sonoma County 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 Sonoma County were included in the government funding bill passed today. These projects will support local youth, improve traffic safety, and develop supportive housing in Rohnert Park.
“Proud to have secured this funding and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this bill into law.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the Congressman’s dedication to the most vulnerable youth in our community. When our new flagship clubhouse opens in the Spring, we will serve 2,500 youth and families in Roseland. This has been our dream for 15 years,” said Jennifer Weiss, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Marin. “Together, the Clubs & the Congressman share a vision of a thriving Roseland & this community center helps us bring that to life.”
“The State Route 121/12/8th Street East Intersection Improvements Project has been in the planning stages for over a decade,” said Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin. “We are so grateful for this funding to move forward and to Congressman Thompson for helping to make this a reality.”
“Providence is grateful for Representative Thompson’s ongoing support to secure funding to provide supportive housing to at-risk seniors experiencing homelessness throughout Sonoma County,” said Providence.
The funding amounts for projects in Sonoma County included in the government funding bill are:
- $4,000,000 for the Roseland Boys and Girls Club Project which will support the construction of a gymnasium for the new Boys and Girls Club Child Care Center in Roseland to provide academic enrichment to local youth.
- $1,500,000 for the State Route 121/12/8th Street East Intersection Improvements Project which will create a roundabout at the intersection to reduce the number of conflict points and lower the speeds of approaching vehicles to improve safety.
- $1,300,000 for the Providence Rohnert Park House Project which will build out essential supportive service spaces and resident common areas on the first floor of a 76-unit permanent supportive housing building in Rohnert Park for seniors aged 55+ who have a documented history of long-term homelessness and incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median income.
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 industry.
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.