ICYMI: Representative Tran Presents $850,000 to La Palma Leaders for Public Safety Infrastructure Upgrades

La Palma, CA - In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Derek Tran (CA-45) presented La Palma Mayor Nitesh Patel, Interim Police Chief Jesse Amend, and La Palma City Councilmembers with a check for $850,000 in Community Project Funding he secured to upgrade key public safety infrastructure at the La Palma Public Safety Center.

"I'm proud to deliver $850,000 in federal funding to the City of La Palma. Hard-working families deserve to see their tax dollars reinvested directly into their communities. This funding for the La Palma Public Safety Center will give our law enforcement professionals the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe," said Representative Tran. "I'm grateful for the steadfast partnership of Senator Alex Padilla and Mayor Nitesh Patel, whose advocacy and support helped make this investment possible. Together, we will continue fighting to bring vital resources home to Southern California families."

The funding will support a comprehensive enhancement of the La Palma Public Safety Center, including modernizing aging infrastructure and integrating modern technology, to improve working conditions for public safety personnel and ensure that first responders are equipped to safely and efficiently address the community's public safety demands.

"On behalf of the City of La Palma, we want to express our sincere appreciation to Rep. Derek Tran and Sen. Alex Padilla for their leadership and commitment to the safety of La Palma residents," said Mayor Nitesh P. Patel. "Our dedicated public safety professionals deserve a workspace that is up to current building standards. This funding allows us to provide a reliable, secure environment for public safety operations."

The Public Safety Center serves as the operational heart for both the La Palma Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority Station #13. This enhancement project will incorporate essential public safety facility needs, including:

• Advanced Security: Integration of modern security cameras and sensors to better equip law enforcement to respond to the evolving needs of the community.
• Environmental Systems: Replacement of the HVAC and lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and air quality.
• Facility Rehabilitation: Installation of new flooring and ceiling tiles to restore interior integrity.
• Accessibility: Renovating bathrooms to ensure full ADA compatibility, providing an inclusive environment for both staff and the public.

This funding is part of an over $14 million packageRepresentative Tran is bringing back to LA and Orange Counties for 15 community projects that will make life safer, healthier, and easier for Southern California residents.

Through Community Project Funding (CPF), Members of Congress can request direct funding for specific local projects that benefit the communities they represent. The House Appropriations Committee considers up to 15 Community Project Funding requests from each member of Congress, and, once approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by the President, community projects are funded using federal tax revenue. Community Project Funding is subject to strict public transparency and accountability requirements, only available to nonprofit and government entities (for-profit grantees are not eligible), and must demonstrate evidence of compelling community support. In addition, each Member of Congress must certify in writing that there is no financial interest in the project for them and their immediate family. All projects will be audited by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to ensure sound stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

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Congressman Derek Tran represents California's 45th Congressional District. Serving his first term in Congress, Congressman Tran is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and House Small Business Committee, where he is Ranking Member of the Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations Subcommittee. Congressman Tran is the son of Vietnamese refugees, a Veteran, and fought for consumers as an attorney before entering Congress.