Rubio Bill Giving City of West Covina Ability to Use $3 Million for Expanded Infrastructure Projects Signed by Governor

SACRAMENTO, CA – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a bill by Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) that will allow the City of West Covina to utilize $3 million in existing city funds that have been unavailable due to restrictions for local infrastructure projects.

Senate Bill 431 gives 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. 

“In a time of tightening budgets, I’m proud to work with the City of West Covina to find an innovative path to use funds it already collects for critically-needed local infrastructure projects, Sen. Rubio said. “By unlocking approximately $3 million, this funding will provide direct benefits to the City and its residents.”

“This legislation will help West Covina in a critical way as we enhance our delivery of services, leverage available resources to modernize field services, and introduce greater efficiencies into our ongoing city operations,” 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.

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Media Contact: Edward Barrera, edward.barrera@sen.ca.gov