California Wins Big in Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Funding Bill

Strategic Insights -

California Senator Dianne Feinstein applauded Senate passage of the fiscal year 2023 omnibus federal funding bill, which includes numerous programs beneficial to the state, particularly in addressing wildfires, drought, homelessness, and climate change. Key provisions of the bill were secured by Senator Feinstein, who highlighted the bill's investments in Californians and its comprehensive approach to tackling pressing issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bill includes $337 million in congressionally directed spending projects requested by Senator Feinstein, with a list of projects available by issue and county.
  • Funding for homelessness includes $30 billion for Housing Choice Vouchers, with an additional $50 million to expand rental assistance vouchers to 11,700 households, including individuals and families experiencing homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and veterans.
  • $3.6 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, including $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants and $107 million to prevent youth homelessness.
  • $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
  • Senator Feinstein secured nearly $4.4 billion for California wildfires, including $914 million to pay federal firefighters a competitive salary, and more capable systems and aircraft to fight wildfires.
  • The bill provides $186 million for drought resilience projects, including water storage projects, water recycling projects, habitat restoration, and other environmental projects.
  • $18 million for the repair of San Joaquin Valley canals, critical for replenishing aquifers, and compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
  • The bill includes $442 million for Army Corps of Engineers flood control; dam and levee safety; coastal resilience; and harbor operations and maintenance projects.
  • $5 million for the Air Force to support the prediction of atmospheric rivers, which produce major storms, improving the ability of local authorities to manage water reservoirs.
  • Key provisions of Senator Feinstein's Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act, in the amount of $300 million, to expand water treatment plant capacity near the U.S.-Mexico border.
  • Additional California provisions include $3.7 billion for agricultural producers harmed by natural disasters, $216 million for specialty crop farmers, $822 million for the Mars Sample Return mission, and $28.6 million for the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early warning system.

Statistics:

  • $337 million in congressionally directed spending projects
  • $30 billion for Housing Choice Vouchers
  • $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
  • $4.4 billion for California wildfires
  • $914 million for paying federal firefighters a competitive salary
  • $186 million for drought resilience projects
  • $18 million for San Joaquin Valley canal repair
  • $442 million for Army Corps of Engineers flood control and dam safety projects
  • $5 million for Air Force research and reconnaissance flights
  • $300 million for border water quality restoration and protection
  • $3.7 billion for agricultural producers harmed by natural disasters
  • $216 million for specialty crop farmers
  • $822 million for the Mars Sample Return mission
  • $28.6 million for the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early warning system

Sources:

  • California Senator Dianne Feinstein's press release, no date.
  • Senator Dianne Feinstein's office, press release (available online, without specific date)
  • US Senate Appropriations Committee, no date.