National City received $4.9 million towards the removal of trash and transforming public spaces along the Interstate 805 freeway. This funding comes from Governor Gavin Newsom’s $1.1 billion Clean California initiative.
The plan is to focus on the Eastside I-805 Community Greenbelt Project, which is going to improve safety and public health for El Toyon and Rancho de la Nacion Elementary Schools, and El Toyon Park. They also are willing to add a new park space, recreation and active transportation to the Sweetwater Bike Path.
Mayor of National City Alejandra Sotelo-Solis said, “I’m very proud of this grant award. It has come about through our ongoing partnership and advocacy with the Caltrans team, National City staff, my Mayoral office and the voices of our community.” “We will now have the financial resources to begin activating and cleaning up those identified areas. Now it’s time to get to work!”
The California Department of Transportation will fund three projects in National City, El Cajon and Imperial Beach. “The National City Eastside I-805 Community Greenbelt project is just one of more than 100 projects to receive part of the nearly $300 million in Clean California grants to cities, counties, tribes, and transit agencies; all of which is going to underserved communities across the state” District 11 Director Gustavo Dallarda commented.
“These Clean California grants for local beautification and placemaking demonstrate our commitment to making infrastructure about people, planet, and partnerships.”
The state believes that it will create about 3,600 jobs and the project should be done by June 30, 2024.
Photo Cred: San Diego Real Estate Hunter
