CA Senate Committee Passes Rubio Bill, Unlocking Local Infrastructure Funds for City of West Covina

March 25, 2021

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Senate Governance and Finance Committee today passed a bill by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will allow the City of West Covina to unlock $3 million in existing funds that have been unavailable due to restrictions for local infrastructure projects.

Senate Bill 431 would give the City the ability to use funds already collected through the Improvement Act of 1911 for related projects allowable under the 1972 Landscape and Lighting Act. The City reports a balance of approximately $3 million collected under the 1911 Act that it has been unable to use because of restrictions. The funds must go to related local infrastructure project if the bill becomes law. 

“This bill will allow the City of West Covina the ability to use funds it already collects for critically-needed local infrastructure projects,” Sen. Rubio said. “I have passed similar laws in Senate District 22, unlocking millions of dollars, to help other cities. The funds allowed one city, for example, to successfully update its street lights to LED lights, providing an energy efficient upgrade within the city boundaries. I look forward to continuing that collaboration with my cities." 

“SB 431 is an important piece of legislation that broadens West Covina's ability to wisely use assessment district funds, and we are grateful that Senator Rubio is making that happen,” said West Covina Mayor Letty Lopez-Viado.

The City of West Covina receives revenue under authority of the 1911 Act for the purpose of funding the operation and maintenance of their Landscaping and Lighting District. The City can only use funds from the 1911 Act for specified purposes, not for other needs it may have, such as the installation of public lighting facilities, including traffic signals, or for landscape maintenance. These maintenance projects are allowed to be paid for with these restricted under 1972 Act authority. 

The bill now goes to the State Senate floor for a vote. 

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