The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently announced that it awarded the City of El Centro $4,782,000 for its “Embellece El Centro” Downtown Project from its Clean California Local Grant Program.
“We are thrilled with this grant. Mayor Pro Tem Sylvia Marroquin, and I committed to improving Downtown two years ago. This is another step toward the direction and only one of the improvements we are making,” said City of El Centro Mayor Martha Cardenas-Singh. “Our City departments are working together to make our Downtown something our residents are proud of.”
The Embellece (Beautify) project includes a food truck court within the Town Square, murals, gateway signs, curb inlet screen protectors, tamper-proof trash and recycling receptacles, new LED lights, and new benches.
The City of El Centro previously held several meetings in Downtown El Centro, where residents could submit suggestions for the Town Square renovation. In 2018, the City of El Centro had a Food Truck Fiesta in the Town Square, deemed a success.
“We are so thankful to Caltrans for funding our project,” said City of El Centro Director of Community Services Adriana Nava. “A total of 230 grant applications were received, and our application was one of 42 applications selected for this highly competitive grant. I am incredibly proud of the El Centro staff team comprised of Engineering, Community Development, and Community Services. It takes a committed team and a supportive community to bring projects like this one to fruition.”
The grant covers the total amount of the renovation project. The project is expected to start in late 2024. For more information regarding the Clean California Local Grant Program, go to Local Grant Program | Caltrans