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$1.7M from feds to bolster Valley Blvd., senior center in Alhambra
San Gabriel Valley Aug 30, 2024
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, presents $1.2 million in federal funding to Alhambra officials for upgrades to Valley Boulevard. | Photo courtesy of the city of Alhambra
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Alhambra will receive $1.7 million in federal funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure on Valley Boulevard and upgrades to the Joslyn senior center, officials announced Thursday.
Rep. Judy Chu, a Democrat who represents Alhambra and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley, secured the funding as part of the Community Project Funding program.
The city will receive $1.7 million for the Valley Boulevard project and $500,000 for the senior center upgrades.
In addition to Alhambra’s funding, Chu said in a statement she secured nearly $30 million for SGV projects with the passage of the July 2022 appropriations bill. Projects include restoration of the San Gabriel Basin, building new affordable housing urban development initiatives and combatting youth homelessness.
The Valley Boulevard project’s goal is to improve safety and accessibility along the heavily traveled thoroughfare in Alhambra and the San Gabriel Valley region, which often experiences heavy traffic congestion.
“The project improves access to transit via pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements as well as bus stop improvements,” according to Chu’s office. “Further, it supports the establishment of active transportation, a strategic priority for Alhambra.”
The project’s clean transportation component includes upgrades to bus stops, pedestrian infrastructure and bike routes to encourage residents to use more active transportation options rather than motor vehicles.
“The improvements can reduce exposure to pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions and consequently improve public health by encouraging residents to use active transportation to integrate physical activities in their lives while enhancing traffic safety,” Chu’s office reported. “The project rebalances the corridor into complete streets and closes existing gaps to mobility while ensuring greater local and regional connectivity.”
The Joslyn Adult Recreation Center is Alhambra’s only gathering place for seniors and serves as a hub for services, resources and socializing for a diverse population.
The $500,000 in funding is for “critical repairs to the roof and improving accessibility through lighting, landscaping, and thoughtful design,” according to Chu’s office. “These improvements will revitalize the space while addressing critical repairs in order to ensure that the Senior Center can continue to provide vital community resources and programming.”
City officials estimated 40,000 seniors use the center, which hosts a nutrition program and provides transportation, case management and a variety of programs.
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