SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) today introduced the Stronger Defense Communities Act, a bipartisan bill to create a way for California to partner with the federal government to fund critical infrastructure in state communities that host military bases.
"California is home to thousands of military families who not only sacrifice for the betterment of our country, but also provide significant economic contributions to our state," Addis said. "This bill helps California's defense communities by supporting local efforts to access federal funds for water, road and other improvements that benefit military families and the communities where they live."
The legislation, Assembly Bill 444, is pending committee referral in the State Assembly. Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) is the principal coauthor of the bill.
Currently, California defense communities can apply for federal infrastructure grants through the Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot (DCIP) program, a federal program that funds military-related infrastructure improvements. While the DCIP is an important tool, communities are often not able to meet the matching requirements that many of the grants require.
AB 444 would provide state assistance to these communities, providing funding to match the grant requirements under the DCIP. The bill would also support these communities in identifying potential DCIP projects through other grants. Communities often need assistance in identifying, planning, and implementing these projects when they cannot afford to do so with local funds.
By creating an avenue for military communities to access these funds, California will ensure that critical infrastructure needs are met for both the military bases and their surrounding communities.
CONTACT: Jim Evans, 916-319-2030