Orange County Lawmakers Seek $190 Million in Federal Funding

Orange County’s congressional delegation requested more than $190 million in federal funding for 2026 to improve road infrastructure,build new fire stations,enhance parks and increase public safety,among other local projects.

These community funding requests are part of an annual tradition for federal lawmakers, who consider funding needs expressed by cities, government agencies and nonprofits in their districts and then seek to bring back some federal money for those projects.

Rep. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, requested the most in federal dollars this year for Orange County, more than $46 million, including $7.5 million for the construction of an adaptive playground in Fullerton.

Rep. Linda Sánchez,a Democrat whose district includes La Habra but is mostly in Los Angeles County,requested the least amount,just under $6.5 million, for projects within Orange County.

Lawmakers requested money for the construction of a river walk alongside the Santa Ana River, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship in irvine and the revitalization of Old Town Placentia, to name a few.

Congress is in the midst of its summer recess, but already, members of the House Appropriations Committee have done some work on the budget, including scaling back the amounts they think should be allocated for certain projects.

While just how much money Orange County can expect to receive from lawmakers’ requests remains to be seen – both the full House and Senate will need to approve the budget by the Oct. 1 deadline – here’s a snapshot of some of the projects the congressional delegation hopes to earmark funds for.

infrastructure

Most of the funding requested by Orange County’s lawmakers is for infrastructure needs, including $62.8 million to improve highways, repair bridges and add better signals and traffic controls on the roads.

Rep. young Kim, R-Anaheim Hills, asked for just under $10 million to add new lanes for several roads, including the 5 Freeway and Savi Ranch Parkway Road in Yorba Linda.

Rep. Mike Levin also requested $2.5 million to realign and widen the La Novia Avenue bridge in San Juan Capistrano.

Other projects included better stormwater infrastructure in Seal Beach,utility upgrades to Laguna Canyon road in Laguna Beach and an expansion of the Orange County Mosquito & Vector Control District’s biosafety lab.