Padilla, Huffman secure $5.2 million in federal funding for Humboldt County community projects

Thanks to successful advocacy efforts from Senator Alex Padilla and Congressman Jared Huffman, two important projects in Humboldt County were directly authorized by Congress to receive a total of $5.2 million as part of the federal government’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget. 

The funding, called Community Project Funding, was authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act and will be used to replace the Hammond Trail Bridge and implement “Project Rebound,” which is a post-COVID update to the county’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

“I am thrilled to have helped secure funds to replace the outdated Hammond Trail Bridge over the Mad River,” said Congressman Huffman. “The Hammond Trail is a popular piece of the recreation infrastructure and replacing this bridge will ensure the trail remains intact and useful to thousands of people who do and will enjoy the trail long into the future.”

Community Project Funding is a process that allows local governments and non-profits to give recommendations on what the federal budget should prioritize. After advocating for more than a year, Senator Padilla and Congressman Huffman were able to secure funding for the Hammond Trail Bridge replacement through the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for Project Rebound.

“I am proud to have worked closely with my colleague Congressman Huffman to help secure federal funding to improve Humboldt County’s roads and bridges that are in dire need of repair,” said Senator Padilla. “This funding will support the Hammond Trail Bridge Replacement Project which will improve transportation and yield significant benefits to the local community. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of the North Coast.”

This is the first time in at least 20 years the county has successfully received Community Project Funding.

“We really want to thank Congressman Jared Huffman and Senator Alex Padilla for their support, not just in this effort, but in all they do for the North Coast,” said Virginia Bass, Fourth District Supervisor and Chair of the Board. “This would not have been possible without their work. Replacing the bridge will serve so many people and is an important link between communities, and Project Rebound is a great response that will serve our economy for years to come.