TUCSON— Today, Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva announced the inclusion of $4.1 million in funding for the Tohono O’odham Nation, City of Avondale, City of Tucson, and Nogales Community Development in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations bill.
“Revitalizing our cities and ensuring housing for everyone are major priorities as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva. “These community funding projects reflect the priorities of Southern Arizona, and I’m pleased they are included in this legislation. I won’t stop fighting to ensure these projects are included in the final bill and millions of federal dollars make their way to Arizona.”
The Tohono O’odham Nation will receive $750,000 to support the development and construction of a permanent children’s home that would encompass three group homes for boys, girls, and young children in need of housing and other support services.
“The community projects funding will enable the Tohono O’odham Nation to construct a permanent Children’s Home for nearly 100 youth in the care of our Child Welfare Division. This will allow our most vulnerable young people to be cared for in a stable environment that reflects O’odham values, language and culture. Previously the Nation has had to rely on temporary, off-reservation housing placement for our youth. These children are our future and they deserve a permanent home in an environment that will help them to succeed. The Tohono O’odham Nation thanks Rep. Grijalva for his leadership on this issue and I urge Congress to fund this urgent project,” said Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman Ned Norris, Jr.
The City of Avondale will receive $1.57 million to update public infrastructure and beautify the area along Western Avenue in the city’s historic old town.
“On behalf of the City Council and the residents of Avondale, we wish to thank Rep. Grijalva for championing Avondale’s request for HUD funding as part of the Economic Development Initiative program,” said Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise. “His advocacy on Avondale’s behalf means a great deal to this community. Not only will these funds improve the aging infrastructure of our historic core, it will also provide a lifeline to the small businesses who will benefit from the aesthetic enhancements to the area, and make it safer for the residents who live here. Congressman Grijalva is no stranger to Avondale and the city’s priorities. This appropriations submission underscores the congressman’s efforts to ensure the economic viability and sustainability of the communities he serves.”
The City of Tucson will receive $1.146 million for the Dunbar Pavilion and Dunbar School Arts and Culture Revitalization Initiative. The funding will be used to provide an outdoor meeting and performance space/amphitheater as well as universal access and rehabilitation of the Paul Laurence Dunbar School.
“I want to thank Congressman Grijalva for all of his efforts to secure this funding for the Dunbar Pavilion,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “The Dunbar Pavilion is an important resource for our community, providing a space to gather, learn, and celebrate African American culture and history. This funding will allow us to complete much-needed renovations at the Dunbar School and amphitheater, supporting efforts to spotlight the often overlooked history and contributions of the African American community in Tucson.”
Nogales Community Development will receive $750,000 for the Nogales Rural Innovation Center to provide local business owners and startups with needed space, equipment, workshops, mentoring and logistics at a dual facility owned by NCD.
“On behalf of Nogales Community Development and its Board of Directors, we are thrilled and greatly appreciative to learn the our funding request, for the Nogales Rural Innovation Center – Fostering Business Success to Create Jobs, Nogales, Arizona, Santa Cruz County, Congressional District 3, has been selected by the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee for funding consideration,” said Nogales Community Development Executive Director Nils Urman. “As a community which has been devastated by COVID-19’s effects on our downtown businesses and the challenges of being situated directly on the Arizona/Mexico border, this project will enable Nogales Community Development (NCD), a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization, to provide local business owners and startups with needed space, equipment, workshops, mentoring and logistics at a dual facility owned by NCD to foster success and support local job creation and sustainability. We would like to thank Congressman Grijalva and his staff for their guidance and assistance in our request for funding.”
Rep. Grijalva submitted numerous Community Funding Projects requests to the Appropriations Committee. The status of additional requests will be announced in the coming days.
Rep. Grijalva will continue working to ensure this funding is included in the final bill.
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