U.S. House Members Barragan, Garcia and Steel request federal funds

Published on April 26, 2023

After statewide redistricting, Lakewood is now newly served by three Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. All three have reached out to Lakewood officials to ask how they can help the city, including with the upcoming federal budget for fiscal year 2024 which allows Members of Congress to submit requests for high priority projects in their districts.

“On the Lakewood City Council, we are very pleased to report that three important projects for our city are now on the short list of requests that our Members of Congress will be working for this year,” said Mayor Steve Croft. “The requests are still at the beginning stage of the federal appropriations process, so we can’t count on the funds yet, but it’s great news to be on the short list. And we thank House Members Barragan, Garcia and Steel for their efforts for our city and residents.”   

The projects would improve the Weingart Senior Center, Palms Park community building, and the Del Amo Blvd. bridge east of Bloomfield Ave. 

• Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, who represents the portion of Lakewood that is generally west of Bellflower Blvd., is seeking federal funds to help with the interior remodeling of the Weingart Senior Center. The senior center, which was built in 1981 and serves over 300 seniors daily, is in need of an updated HVAC system, dining room, game room and restrooms. Any federal dollars would be combined with Lakewood Measure L funds and other monies to pay for the project.
  
  
• Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents the portion of Lakewood that is generally east of Bellflower Blvd., is seeking federal funds to help with the major remodeling of the Palms Park community building. The facility, which was built in the 1970s, is in need of significant repairs to its exterior structure, electrical and HVAC systems, and roof. Improvements would also be made to the flooring, restrooms, doors, windows and ceiling. A 1,200-square-foot expansion would create a new teen room, disabled-access restroom and storage. Any federal dollars would be combined with funds from Measure L and state funds already secured by Assembly Member Anthony Rendon.
  
  
• Congresswoman Michelle Steel, who represents the southeasternmost portion of Lakewood, is submitting a request for federal funding to rebuild the Del Amo Blvd. bridge over Coyote Creek, just east of Bloomfield Ave. The aging bridge creates a curve and narrowing for Del Amo Blvd., and the rebuilding of the bridge and related work would improve traffic flow and safety for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The bridge lies at the intersection of Lakewood, Cerritos, Cypress and La Palma, and the project is supported by all of the cities.