In February 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), an unprecedented $787 billion economic stimulus package.

The ARRA touches on many areas of interest, such as health care and education, and also provides a unique opportunity for local governments to improve public infrastructure, create or save jobs, and find ways to go "green."

The City of San Fernando will seek ARRA funding for projects that benefit our residents. Below is a list of local projects that have received funding.

FUNDED PROJECTS
Amount to Date: $2.1 Million

Brand Boulevard Pavement Project
Received a $745,000 grant to repave Brand Boulevard, and repair its sidewalks and curb ramps, between Truman and O'Melveny Streets. The project created eight new jobs and was completed in February 2010.

COPS Hiring Recovery Program
Received nearly $675,000 in grant funds to fund two Police Officer positions. The highly competitive grant covers salaries for three years and preserves the City's policing capacity and crime prevention efforts.

Keeping Cultural Arts Alive
Received a $50,000 grant to partially cover salary costs for the City's Cultural Arts Supervisor whom among other things is responsible for administering the nationally acclaimed Mariachi Master Apprentice Program. The highly competitive grant covers partial salary costs until September 2010.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Received nearly $133,000 in grant funds to install energy efficient upgrades at various city facilities, including new LED lighting and replacement heating and air conditioning systems. A specific project list is under development.

Elderly Nutrition Program
Received roughly $50,000 in grant funds to serve an additional 11,000 meals to our elderly residents at the City's senior centers, and through home delivery. Funds will cover meal costs until June 2010.

For questions regarding these projects, please call (818) 898-1201.