2011 Federal Appropriations

Fiscal Year 2011 Federal Appropriations Project Request
*Requests by Subcommittee are listed in alphabetical order

Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration,
and Related Agencies

Project Name: California County Pest Detection Augmentation Program – Pest Detection
Recipient of Federal Funds: California Department of Food and Agricultural
Recipient Address: 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Amount Requested: $1.350 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support the California County Pest Detection Trapping Program, which maintains a statewide network of insect traps and detection tools to serve as an early warning system against serious agricultural pests. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because when pests go undetected and become established, eradication and control efforts incur significant costs for county, state and federal governments.

Project Name: California State University Applied Agriculture and Environmental Research, Ca
Recipient of Federal Funds: California State University, Fresno Foundation
Recipient Address: 4910 North Chestnut Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726
Amount Requested: $3 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to leverage federal funding with university and industry capital to find solutions for priority issues challenging California agriculture, the environment, and consumer health and safety. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because while most funded research takes place in California, results are available in the public domain, and are applicable to improving agriculture and environmental practices throughout the nation, and increasing industry, consumer, and public policy makers’ accessibility to “real time” scientifically based information about pressing issues.

Project Name: Pierce’s Disease, CA Special Grant
Recipient of Federal Funds: University of California
Recipient Address: 1400 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250
Amount Requested: $3 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for Pierce’s Disease research projects in California. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because grant for the University of California would provide funds for research on the vine-killing Pierce’s Disease that threatens the U.S. grape and wine industry.

Project Name: San Luis Obispo County, unincorporated community of Oceano
Recipient of Federal Funds: San Luis Obispo County
Recipient Address: County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93408
Amount Requested: Bill Language
Explanation of Request: The language would be used to expand eligibility for loans and grants funded under the housing programs of the Rural Housing Service to the unincorporated community of Oceano, in San Luis Obispo County. This request is a valuable to taxpayers because the loans and grants would be given to qualified nonprofit and local government organizations that supply technical assistance to low- and very low-income families. These organizations use the funding to acquire land, recruit and assist families with applying for housing loans, and provide pre-purchase counseling and construction supervision. It would also maintain jobs in construction and related industries, and preserve the financial stability of important organizations.

Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

Project Name: California Bay-Watershed Education and Training Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: NOAA Office of Education
Recipient Address: 299 Foam St., Monterey, CA 93940
Amount Requested: $2.5 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to continue supporting environment-based education to students in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the grants provided, through a competitive process to eligible organizations, fund meaningful educational experiences to students, teachers, and communities that increase environmental stewardship and appreciation of the watershed and marine environment.

Project Name: California Seafloor Mapping Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: California State Coastal Conservancy
Recipient Address: 1330 Broadway, 13th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Amount Requested: $3 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to map all of California’s state waters in order to improve ocean management. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because management of California’s ocean waters, among the most productive in the world, will greatly improve benefit from marine mapping and data. Some benefits include: understanding and mitigating the impacts to sea level rise, evaluating the potential for utilizing ocean energy, designating and monitoring marine reserves, improving navigation and ensuring shipping safety, understanding sediment transport and sand delivery, identifying dredging and dumping sites, help identify fault dynamics, regulation of offshore coastal development, and fisheries management.

Project Name: California Space Center
Recipient of Federal Funds: California Space Education & Workforce Institute
Recipient Address: 3201 Airpark Drive, Suite 204, Santa Maria, CA 93455
Amount Requested: $1 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to assist NASA achieve its mission of increasing the nation’s technological workforce by inspiring students to study, and qualified teachers to teach, science, technology, engineering and math at the California Space Center. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because CSEWI’s programs encourage parents, educators, and students to engage in space-related education in order to attract, integrate and retain a robust California space workforce.

Project Name: City of Guadalupe Police Department Technology Upgrades
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Guadalupe Police Department
Recipient Address: 4490 10th Street Guadalupe, CA 93434
Amount Requested: $300,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to address the critical need to replace outdated, unserviceable or non-compatible essential safety equipment and upgrade sub-standard facilities and deteriorating infrastructure at the Guadalupe Police Department. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because this equipment, most of which no longer meets the standards/requirements established by the Commission on Peace Officer’s Standards and Training, the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, negatively affects the ability of the police department to provide for a safe, effective working environment for its employees and reduces the quality of law enforcement services provided to the community.

Project Name: City of Oxnard Comprehensive Critical Assets Remote Surveillance Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Oxnard
Recipient Address: 300 West Third Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to expand the scope of the City of Oxnard’s Security Operations Center to monitor problem areas where crimes continue to persist, track traffic flow at major intersections, and keep watch over sites of significant homeland security interest. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because funding will help to deter crime, protect the citizens of Oxnard, and allow for the rapid dispatch of police and emergency services to areas of immediate need.

Project Name: City of Santa Maria
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Santa Maria
Recipient Address: 110 E. Cook Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Amount Requested: $600,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to purchase and install gang monitoring equipment, increase gang police department gang suppression activities, and expand the Police Activities League Youth Services program. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because federal funding will assist the City of Santa Maria with the apprehension of gang members, disruption of gang activity. The Police Activities League Youth Services program seeks to prevent young people from entering gangs.

Project Name: San Luis Obispo County Anti-Gang Employment Coordinator
Recipient of Federal Funds: San Luis Obispo County
Recipient Address: County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93408
Amount Requested: $80,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used by the coordinator to develop a strategic, coordinated, and collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, social service providers and the general public with the objective of curtailing gang involvement and its negative impact on the residents of San Luis Obispo County. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because federal funding will assist with the apprehension of gang members, the disruption and dismantlement of gangs, and the investigation and prevention of gang-related crimes.

Project Name: Ventura County Sheriff Department Regional Gang Unit
Recipient of Federal Funds: County of Ventura Sheriff Department
Recipient Address: 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
Amount Requested: $350,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to assist the Regional Gang Unit to analyze evidence from gang-related crimes throughout the county. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because federal funding will assist the Sheriff’s gang unit with the apprehension of gang members, the disruption and dismantlement of gangs, and the investigation and prevention of gang-related crimes.

Project Name: Ventura County Sheriff Department Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) Team Task Force
Recipient of Federal Funds: Ventura County Sheriff Department
Recipient Address: 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009
Amount Requested: $600,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support a regional task force for monitoring, tracking, and locating registered sex offenders, in a combined effort to increase compliance rate in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because law enforcement partnerships focused on predatory sex offenders can reduce violent sexual assault crimes through proactive enforcement measures.

Project Name: West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health
Recipient of Federal Funds: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Recipient Address: 1305 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Amount Requested: $1 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support the priorities of the West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health Action Plan, including climate change, polluted runoff, marine debris, spartina eradication, integrated ecosystem assessments, sustainable ocean energy development, ocean education, sustainable communities, and regional sediment management. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the Governors’ Action Plan uses a collaborative approach to address some of our region’s most pressing ocean and coastal management challenges, and federal funding will help advance this forward looking federal-state partnership. While the activities will be focused on the ocean and coast, the benefits will extend into the interior of each state, because sound ocean and coastal management supports tourism, recreation, port operations, and other commerce activities that provide billions of dollars every year to each state.

Subcommittee on Defense

Project Name: Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Virtual Trainers (MRAP-VVT)
Recipient of Federal Funds: California National Guard
Recipient Address: 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95826
Amount Requested: $5 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to purchase vehicle virtual trainers to allow soldiers to conduct training on MRAP vehicles. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will expand soldier access to training on MRAP vehicles and reduce training costs for National Guard units.
*Request also submitted to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration as part of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act

Project Name: Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer (VCOT)
Recipient of Federal Funds: California National Guard
Recipient Address: 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95826
Amount Requested: $1.5 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to purchase a VCOT system to allow training for combat convoys and maneuver elements under realistic conditions through urban and open terrain. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because VCOT provides the best convoy training available, and it includes training dismounted operations and combat actions on virtual terrain.
*Request also submitted to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration as part of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act

Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Calleguas Municipal Water District Recycling Plant
Recipient of Federal Funds: Calleguas Municipal Water District
Recipient Address: 2100 Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360
Amount Requested: $2.8 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for development of a pipeline system that would collect and convey brackish groundwater and recycled water for direct use. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the project will facilitate the development of up to 50,000 acre feet of water, per year, for municipal and agricultural uses thereby reducing the need to import water to the region from Northern California.

Project Name: Cambria Seawater Desalination
Recipient of Federal Funds: Cambria Community Services District
Recipient Address: 1316 Tamson Drive, Suite 201, Cambria, CA, 93428
Amount Requested: $2 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to construct a seawater desalination facility to augment severely limited potable water supplies in Cambria. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because current water sources are shallow wells, which are unable to provide a reliable water source, particularly during dry weather, additionally these sources suffer from severe MTBE contamination.

Project Name: Carpinteria Shoreline Study
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Carpinteria
Recipient Address: 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria, CA, 93013
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to investigate shoreline protection and coastal storm damage reduction along the Carpinteria shoreline. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the City of Carpinteria’s coastline and beaches have suffered tremendous erosion and storm damage over the last decade. Proposed plans include: beach nourishment, submerged artificial reefs and seawalls.

Project Name: Channel Islands Harbor
Recipient of Federal Funds: County of Ventura – Harbor Department
Recipient Address: 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035
Amount Requested: $4.6 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for operations and maintenance dredging in Channel Islands Harbor. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because annual dredging of the harbor entrance areas is necessary in order to assure a navigationally adequate channel for commercial and recreational traffic.

Project Name: Goleta Beach – Continuing Authorities Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: County of Santa Barbara
Recipient Address: 601 Mission Canyon Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to investigate shoreline protection and coastal storm damage reduction at Goleta Beach. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because several major storms have eroded the beach, resulting in the loss of coastal recreation and other park amenities. This project would create and maintain a wider beach for shore protection and recreation and prevent future loss of sand, and other park amenities.

Project Name: Lake Cachuma – Water and Sewage Treatment Replacement
Recipient of Federal Funds: Santa Barbara County
Recipient Address: $3 million
Amount Requested: 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to replace critical water facilities and ensure a stable water supply for the area and continued operations for recreational visitors to the Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara County. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the Lake is a source of drinking water for County residents, as well as a recreation site for residents and numerous visitors. As a result of a Biological Opinion issued by the National Marine Fisheries Services, the Bureau is preparing to raise the level of the Lake to capture, retain and subsequently release additional water for the protection of habitat for the endangered steelhead trout. This increase in the level of the Lake will affect a number of existing structures around the Lake, including a water intake facility and treatment plant, and two sewer lift stations.

Project Name: Lower Mission Creek
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Santa Barbara
Recipient Address: $765,000
Amount Requested: P.O. Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA, 93102
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to complete the pre-engineering and design phase of the Lower Mission Creek Flood Control and Rehabilitation Project. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because Mission Creek possesses the greatest unresolved flood hazard of any stream in Santa Barbara County. The urban portion of the creek is fully developed and has a very high potential for serious damage in the event of a flood.

Project Name: Los Osos Wastewater Infrastructure
Recipient of Federal Funds: San Luis Obispo County
Recipient Address: County Government Center, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93408
Amount Requested: $1 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to assist with the planning and design of a Wastewater Treatment Plant and associated trunk line collection infrastructure in Los Osos. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because construction of a wastewater project will respond to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s order to replace the community’s current septic system, cleanse Los Osos’ groundwater basin in order to ensure clean and safe water for the residents of Los Osos, and protect the adjacent Morro Bay National Estuary from pollution. The wastewater project will also resolve Los Osos’ longstanding problem with MTBE and E-coli groundwater contamination, prevent seawater intrusion into deeper groundwater levels, and recharge groundwater supplies.

Project Name: Matilija Dam
Recipient of Federal Funds: Ventura County Watershed Protection District
Recipient Address: 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA, 93009
Amount Requested: $1.8 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to complete pre-construction engineering and design work, and begin construction work on the removal of the Matilija Dam. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the 200-foot tall Matilija Dam, located on a tributary of the Ventura River, needs to be removed in order to reestablish runs of the endangered southern steelhead, reestablish the natural flow of sand flow to coastal beaches, and provide new recreational opportunities above the dam.

Project Name: Morro Bay Harbor
Recipient of Federal Funds: Morro Bay Harbor Department
Recipient Address: 1275 Embarcadero Road, Morro Bay, CA, 93442
Amount Requested: $1.59 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for operation and maintenance dredging in Morro Bay Harbor. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the complete dredging project will allow safe passage for the harbor’s commercial, recreational and Coast Guard traffic.

Project Name: Pismo Beach – Continuing Authorities Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Pismo Beach
Recipient Address: 760 Mattie Road, Pismo Beach, CA, 93449
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to initiate construction work to limit wave impacts and bluff erosion in Pismo Beach. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because erosion at Pismo beach has accelerated significantly in the last few years, eating away at the shoreline bluffs and resulting in road closings and utility relocations. If the erosion is allowed to continue, the shoreline erosion will result in further infrastructure deterioration and threaten public and private property.

Project Name: Santa Barbara Harbor
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Santa Barbara
Recipient Address: P.O. Box 1990, Santa Barbara, CA, 93102
Amount Requested: $2 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for operation and maintenance dredging in Santa Barbara Harbor. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because failure to maintain the harbor through annual dredging will result in accumulated sand in the channel and the likely closure of Coast Guard operations, important marine resource research and monitoring, local commercial and recreational fishing and other businesses in the Harbor.

Project Name: Santa Clara River Watershed
Recipient of Federal Funds: Ventura County Watershed Protection District
Recipient Address: 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA, 93009
Amount Requested: $1 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to complete a feasibility study for the Santa Clara River Watershed, the largest in Southern California. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because if the Federal government fails to assist key local and state stakeholders in developing the Santa Clara River Enhancement and Management Plan, the continued pressure of urbanization in both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties could jeopardize the floodplain and environmental resources in the Santa Clara River Watershed.

Project Name: Ventura Harbor
Recipient of Federal Funds: Ventura Port District
Recipient Address: 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA, 93022
Amount Requested: $2.8 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used for operations and maintenance dredging in Ventura Harbor. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because annual dredging of the harbor entrance areas is necessary in order to assure a navigationally adequate channel for commercial and recreational traffic.

Project Name: California Coastal Sediment Master Plan
Recipient of Federal Funds: State of California, Department of Boating and Waterways
Recipient Address: 2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815
Amount Requested: $ 900,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to evaluate California’s coastal sediment management needs and promote regional, system-wide solutions. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the Sediment Master Plan will provide coastal managers with information needed to address both coastal erosion and excess sediment problems.

Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos Restoration Project
Recipient of Federal Funds: Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos, Inc
Recipient Address: 671 South Oakglen Avenue, Nipomo, CA 93444
Amount Requested: $200,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to continue the restoration of the 168-year-old Dana Adobe in Nipomo. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the restoration and preservation of the Dana Adobe, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides unique volunteering opportunities, hands-on education for local students and job opportunities in a variety of fields.

Project Name: Nipomo Waterline Intertie Project
Recipient of Federal Funds: Nipomo Community Services District
Recipient Address: 148 South Wilson Street, Nipomo, CA 93444
Amount Requested: $2 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to assist with the construction of a waterline intertie project in Nipomo. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will allow the Nipomo Community Services District to purchase potable water from the City of Santa Maria to help address their concerns with salt water intrusion into the Nipomo Mesa groundwater basin. Federal funding will help offset the sizable costs associated with construction of the intertie project to move the water between Santa Maria and the Nipomo water distribution system.

Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
Recipient of Federal Funds: Cancer Center of Santa Barbara
Recipient Address: 300 W. Pueblo St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Amount Requested: $3.3 million
Explanation of Request: This funding would enable the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara to build a modernized, stand-alone, first-class, outpatient cancer center that is geographically accessible to patients. Currently, the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara operates in space leased within Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, which is undergoing renovations; however planned renovations will still result in less than optimal conditions and will not allow for the acquisition of new treatment methods in coming years. The request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because when the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara can combine all of its services under one stand-alone roof - radiation oncology, medical oncology, nuclear medicine, research, support services, and wellness – it will greatly enhance a patient’s experience. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because they will also facilitate the best possible care from a variety of healthcare professionals; several of which are currently forming new care models through weekly disease-specific review boards.

Project Name: Civic Education Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: The Center for Civic Education
Recipient Address: 5145 Douglas Fir Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Amount Requested: $35 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support Education for Democracy programs through the Center for Civic Education. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the Education for Democracy programs are among the most cost effective programs supported by the federal government. They effectively promote among students a profound understanding of and commitment to the fundamental values and principles of American constitutional democracy as expressed in such seminal documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and the Gettysburg Address. They also promote students’ capacities to participate competently and responsibility in the political life of their communities and the nation.

Project Name: Learning Through Listening
Recipient of Federal Funds: Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic
Recipient Address: 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
Amount Requested: $15 million
Explanation of Request: Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic is a national non-profit volunteer organization that serves as the nation’s educational library for people who cannot effectively read standard print because of visual impairment, learning disabilities or other physical disabilities. Funding for this project will expand the number of students with print disabilities receiving accessible educational materials, while maintaining free access for individual students. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will support equal access to the printed word and high academic achievement for students with print disabilities.

Project Name: National Writing Project
Recipient of Federal Funds: National Writing Project
Recipient Address: 2105 Bancroft Way, #1042, Berkeley, CA 94720
Amount Requested: $26.2 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support the work of the National Writing Project. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the National Writing Project program provides support for a national infrastructure of more than 200 writing projects sites that serve their local schools and teaching communities with high-quality teacher professional development in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Project Name: Reach Out and Read
Recipient of Federal Funds: Reach Out and Read National Center
Recipient Address: 56 Roland Street, Boston, MA 02129
Amount Requested: $10 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support the work of Reach Out and Read – a national evidence-based school readiness initiative that promotes literacy and language development in infants and preschoolers by, specifically targeting children and families living in poverty and under-performing school districts. This initiative has been proven to be among the most effective strategies to promote early language and literacy development and kindergarten readiness: pediatricians and other healthcare providers guide and encourage parents to read aloud to their children from their earliest years of their life, and send them home from each regular checkup with a new book and a prescription to read together. Reach Out and Read is in place in more than 3,500 clinics and hospitals nationwide, has trained nearly 50,000 doctors and nurses and serves 3.8 million children each year, amounting to 25% of America’s at-risk children. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because millions of children nationwide still need the support and assistance that Reach Out and Read, as a proven national program, can provide in order to enhance school readiness. Funding provided by Congress through the U.S. Department of Education has been matched by tens of millions of dollars from the private sector and state governments.

Project Name: Reading is Fundamental
Recipient of Federal Funds: Reading is Fundamental
Recipient Address: 1825 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington D.C., 20009
Amount Requested: $25 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to support the work of Reading is Fundamental as authorized in Section 5451 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because Reading is Fundamental enhances child literacy by providing millions of underserved children with free books for personal ownership and reading encouragement from the more than 18,000 locations throughout all fifty states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Project Name: Science Teacher and Researcher (STAR) Program
Recipient of Federal Funds: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Recipient Address: 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
Amount Requested: $392,400
Explanation of Request: The funding would enable STAR to initiate a new pilot program and do a long-term evaluation of STAR’s performance. The STAR Program addresses the problem of recruiting and retaining science and mathematics teachers by creating a prestigious dual “teacher-researcher” career path, with the goal of having more teachers with the skills to inspire more of our nation’s students to choose Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) career paths. The STAR program supports a paid summer research internship, in a federal research laboratory, for science and math teachers. The program provides substantive, cutting-edge research experience along with critical education workshops, focusing on how to use these laboratory experiences to enhance classroom teaching. The requested funding would create a STAR pilot program in additional federal agencies – such as United States Geologic Survey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Forest Service (NFS). This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it would enable STAR to initiate a pilot program with new federal labs and do a long-term evaluation of STAR’s performance compared to its stated objectives.

Project Name: Senior Safe Hospital Discharge and Chronic Disease Prevention
Recipient of Federal Funds: County of Ventura
Recipient Address: 800 South Victoria, Ventura, CA 93001
Amount Requested: $750,000
Explanation of Request: This program has potential to reduce hospital costs associated with seniors being discharged from the hospital and then readmitted. Due to hospital billing regulations, seniors are often discharged from the hospital to home prior to all social service supports being put in place. When seniors do not get proper aftercare their recovery and overall health can be negatively affected; and many times seniors end up back in the hospital less than 30 days after they are discharged. These readmissions are costly to the hospitals and avoidable. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because reducing hospital readmissions saves Medicare dollars in addition to allowing the elderly an opportunity to live at home independently for as long as possible.

Project Name: Welcome Every Baby
Recipient of Federal Funds: Santa Barbara County Education Office
Recipient Address: 4400 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93160
Amount Requested: $450,000
Explanation of Request: The Welcome Every Baby Program annually serves over 3,500 infants and their families in Santa Barbara County as the only county-wide, universal, newborn home-visiting program in California. Their mission is to provide screening, education, support and referral services to all infants and their families through comprehensive, family-centered, voluntary, culturally appropriate services. The vision is that these infants and their families are welcome members of the community and thrive best in safe and nurturing homes. This program serves all of Santa Barbara County, has been extended to San Luis Obispo County’s Beginnings/Child Abuse Prevention Council and the First Five Los Angeles County Best Babies Program. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it provides early intervention, education and support services – all of which reduce potential long-term health and education costs, in addition to providing much needed local employment opportunities.

Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

Project Name: Surface Targets Development Lab
Recipient of Federal Funds: Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Port Hueneme
Recipient Address: 311 Main Road, Building 1, Point Mugu, CA 93402
Amount Requested: $9.63 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to construct a new 30,000 square foot Surface Targets Development and Depot Maintenance Lab to house all Cognizant Field Activity functions in a single laboratory environment at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because without a new facility, the U.S. Navy’s Seaborne Targets mission will continue to be executed at a greatly reduced efficiency.
*Request also submitted to the House Committe on Armed Services for consideration as part of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act

Project Name: Vandenberg Air Force Base Education Center - Phase 1
Recipient of Federal Funds: Vandenberg Air Force Base
Recipient Address: 747 Nebraska Avenue, Suite A-103, Vandenberg AFB, CA 93437
Amount Requested: $10.0 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to construct a consolidated education center for the academic and professional development of officers, airmen, and DOD civilian employees. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the education center will support Air Force and DOD goals and provide an encouraging learning environment.
*Request also submitted to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration as part of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act

Project Name: Renewable Photovoltaic Solar Power, Ventura AFRC
Recipient of Federal Funds: California National Guard
Recipient Address: 9800 Goethe Road, Sacramento, CA 95826
Amount Requested: $1.4 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to design and install a renewable energy photovoltaic (PV) solar electric power system connected to the public grid at the Ventura AFRC. This is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the new facility will significantly reduce the facility’s power demand and support DoD and State of California goals to use renewable energy sources.
*Request also submitted to the House Committee on Armed Services for consideration as part of the FY 2011 National Defense Authorization Act

Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

Project Name: City to the Sea Bike Path, San Luis Obispo County, Ca
Recipient of Federal Funds: San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Recipient Address: 1150 Osos Street. Suite 202, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Amount Requested: $500,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to complete a 1.2 mile segment of the bike path which would start at the Octagon Barn and lead to the Highway 101 undercrossing at Ontario Road. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because completion of the bike path will eventually extend the corridor from the City of San Luis Obispo to the beach located in the town of Avila.

Project Name: Hollister Avenue Widening, Santa Barbara County
Recipient of Federal Funds: County of Santa Barbara
Recipient Address: 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Amount Requested: $4 million
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to widen Hollister Avenue to accommodate vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, as well as make railway improvements to support regional intercity rail serving the South Coast. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it is critical to maintain appropriate levels of service on this arterial road as the region develops, providing access points to U.S. Highway 101 and connecting the City of Santa Barbara, City of Goleta, and unincorporated areas of the County of Santa Barbara.

Project Name: Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Traffic Mitigation Program, Oxnard
Recipient of Federal Funds: City of Oxnard
Recipient Address: 305 West 3rd Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Amount Requested: $750,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to install ITS systems, including closed circuit cameras and computers to monitor traffic and manage green lights in order to decrease traffic congestion and increase safety. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because the ITS program would also allow operators at Traffic Management Centers to change lights for emergency vehicles for quicker, safer, and more efficient delivery of emergency services. It will also help operators to manage and monitor increasing traffic flow throughout the city.

Project Name: Gold Coast Transit Maintenance and Operations Facility
Recipient of Federal Funds: Gold Coast Transit
Recipient Address: 301 E. Third St., Oxnard, CA 93030
Amount Requested: $1,000,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to design a new maintenance and operations facility at the Gold Coast Transit Center in Oxnard, California. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will help build the infrastructure necessary to allow Gold Coast Transit to continue to grow and expand public transit services for the residents, employees, students, visitors and current and future transit riders in western Ventura County.

Project Name: Grand Avenue Streetscape, Phase II, Grover Beach
Recipient of Federal Funds: San Luis Obispo Council of Governments
Recipient Address: 1150 Osos Street. Suite 202, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Amount Requested: $800,000
Explanation of Request: The funding would be used to make streetscape improvements from 4th to 9th Street on Grand Avenue in Grover Beach. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it will support “complete street” community enhancements along Grand Avenue – thus promoting economic development and supporting smart growth principals of the community and region.

Project Name: U.S. Highway 101 High Occupancy Vehicle Widening Project, Carpinteria Creek Bridge
Recipient of Federal Funds: Santa Barbara County Association of Governments
Recipient Address: 260 N. San Antonio Road, Suite B, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Amount Requested: $3 million
Explanation of Request: This project would replace the U.S. Highway101 bridge over Carpinteria Creek with a bridge that is above 100-year flood levels based on flood maps recently released by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The profile of U.S. 101 to the north and south of the bridge would also have to be raised to conform to the new elevated bridge and the bridge would accommodate two new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes plus the four lanes currently on U.S. Highway 101. This request is one component of the U.S. Highway 101 High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Widening Project, between the cities of Carpinteria and Santa Barbara, which has been unanimously approved by Santa Barbara County Association of Government’s Board as the region’s highest priority for federal transportation funding. This request is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it creates incentives for carpooling and makes sensible, pre-emptive changes to needed highway infrastructure in light of the potential for flood related natural disasters.