Alhambra residents and others, watching the news and reading the press, may wonder if some of those much discussed economic recovery funds are making their way to our City. The answer is YES!

Always pro-active in improving and maintaining infrastructure throughout the community, and in the provision of a high level of public service (including in that highly-observed area of public safety), the City of Alhambra is in a very positive position to quickly implement programs that will not only help our economic recovery, but also improve community infrastructure and services.

It is interesting to note that funds for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects are coming from various program sources, including the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Justice (Justice Assistance Grant), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-Recovery Funds) and Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Following is a listing of approved projects:

Street Rehabilitation Project/Traffic Safety	Poplar Boulevard (from Fremont Avenue to the west city limit Alhambra Road (east city limit to west city limit New Avenue (north city limit to south city limit Installation of two "Safe Routes to School" projects, including illuminated crosswalks at two busy intersections: Alhambra Road @ Second Street, and Commonwealth Avenue @ Curtis Avenue	$2.6 million
Energy Audits	Conduct energy audits of four selected City facilities followed by implementation of energy improvement plans for those facilities. Expectations of some of the energy improvements include: Joslyn Adult Center: replacement of 3 of the 5 HVAC units; installation of an energy-efficient roof; replacement of lighting, windows and exterior doors with energy-efficient models Almansor Park Gym: replacement lighting, windows and HVAC system with energy-efficient models Alhambra Park Pool Office windows and lighting Granada Park Gym: replacement of windows, lighting and HVAC system with energy-efficient models	$794,700	U.S. Dept. of Energy
Public Safety	Purchase of a Digital Mobile Video Recording System for police patrol vehicles that will provide both an objective witness to daily contacts by field police officers and document evidence in criminal prosecutions of DUI drivers. The system is designed to help bolster community confidence in public contacts made by front-line employees-treating people with dignity and respect, as expressed in the department's mission statement - "People, Service and Crime Reduction." It will serve as a useful tool in eliminating frivolous lawsuits and complaints against police officers, as well as be a useful  training tool for front-line police officers.	$128,800	Justice Assistance Grant
CDBG-Funded Improvements	Installation of improvements and repairs at Joslyn Adult Center to coincide with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Construction of additional street-level handicapped ramps, allowing wheelchair-bound residents safer access to all areas of the community Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program will provide temporary financial assistance and stabilization services to individuals and families that are homeless or would be homeless if not for this assistance (This program is designed to assist people who cannot pay rent or utilities and are on the verge of being evicted, or have recently been evicted. It is not mortgage assistance, nor is it available to those who are homeless due to drug/alcohol addiction or mental illness.) Participants must be  Alhambra residents, earning below 50% of the average median income, and participate in an initial consultation (to determine level of assistance provided) and ongoing counseling. Financial assistance is available on a short-term basis (up to 3 months) or medium-term basis (3 to 18 months), with no payments lasting more than 18 months. Assistance can be used for rent/security deposits, utility bills, motel/hotel vouchers, mediation services between landlord and tenant, and housing search and placement service.	$190,000        $180,000 $567,605	U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)