Huffman seeks funding for Hammond Trail Bridge replacement, Burre Dental Center expansion

July 20, 2021

North Coast U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) announced he is seeking federal funding for at least two projects in Humboldt County.

Huffman nominated the local projects — and funding totaling more than $10 million — as part of the House Appropriations Committee’s fiscal year funding bills. The nominations are part of a new rule that went into effect this year, allowing individual representatives to recommend specific projects for the communities they serve.

The bills that cover the funding will be considered on the House floor “in the months ahead,” a release from Huffman’s office states.

“In my role in Congress, it’s an honor to work side-by-side with local governments, community organizations, and non-profits as we strive to improve the lives of people in our district,” Huffman said in a prepared statement. “… The projects we put forward address some of the most pressing needs facing our region — from climate resilience and increased affordable housing to critical infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness — and I will keep pushing to get our community the funding it needs to build back better, stronger, and more resilient.”

The local projects Huffman is seeking to fund include $1 million for an expansion project of the Burre Dental Center in Eureka. The expansion would include hiring two additional dentists to serve the county and for training one additional dental resident each year, which could expand “capacity by 8,000 visits per year,” the release from Huffman’s office stated.

Huffman also nominated providing $5 million for replacing the Hammond Trail Bridge in McKinleyville.

“The project would provide local, regional, and statewide benefits by preserving a key link of the California Coastal Trail and U.S. Bicycle Route 95 and ensuring a non-motorized route alternative to Highway 101 between McKinleyville, Arcata, and Humboldt Bay,” the release stated.

The third local project that could be funded is a revamping of the county’s economic development strategy. The $218,000 project would be coordinated between the county and community partners.


Source: Eureka Times-Standard