The Hoopa Valley Tribe has been awarded $5 million from the state’s Clean California initiative, the largest amount available under the Caltrans-led program that grants funding to beautify public spaces.
According to a news release, the money will go toward makeovers in four separate areas owned by the Hoopa Tribe — Pookey’s Park, the Hoopa Rodeo Grounds,
Tish Tang Campground and Hoopa Neighborhood Facilities — that will include “debris removal, beautification, rehabilitation, and enhancement of community parks and spaces” as well as accessibility improvements and the addition of “memorialized elements” at the sites.
“The Hoopa Valley Tribe is very excited about this opportunity,” said Hoopa Tribal Chair Joe Davis.
“All four of these spaces serve as public areas regularly used by community members of all ages and
the proposed work at these existing facilities will continue to enrich the lives of all users by promoting
health and wellness, walkability, accessibility, safe communities, and community pride while preserving
natural resources and increasing wildland urban interface (WUI) protection.
“With this project, the Tribe
seeks to provide conscientious continuity of ADA accessibility, cultural themes, increasing opportunities
for health and wellness and community engagement,” he said.
Crews are set to begin work this spring and complete it in June of 2024
Read the Hoopa Tribe’s release below:
As part of his landmark Clean California initiative, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the award
of $5 million to the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The program is designed to foster cultural connections and civic
pride, the project initiative led by The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).The Clean
California Local Grant Program is part of a two-year program through which approximately $296 million
in funds will go to local communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks,
pathways, and transit centers to clean and enhance public spaces.
Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the
removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and
recreation.Additionally, with an eye on equity, half of the overall program funds benefit underserved
communities. The maximum project amount is $5 million.
Developed in close collaboration with tribal and local governments, non-profits, and businesses, the
state beautification projects will be completed in California’s counties including art installations, green
space, and proposals that improve safety and promote community connections.“This is much-needed and such welcome news,” said Hoopa Vice-Chairman Everett Colegrove. “The
Hoopa community is grateful to be funded through the Governor’s initiative. Nearly all of the chosen
sites are in historically underserved communities.”The project consists of four separate areas owned by the Tribe: Pookey’s Park, Hoopa Rodeo Grounds,
Tish Tang Campground, and Neighborhood Facilities. The community will receive a makeover, including
debris removal, beautification, rehabilitation, and enhancement of community parks and spaces. The
project will also improve accessibility and added upgrades, as well as memorialized elements added to
the sites.“The Hoopa Valley Tribe is very excited about this opportunity,” said Hoopa Tribal Chairman Joe Davis.
“All four (4) of these spaces serve as public areas regularly used by community members of all ages and
the proposed work at these existing facilities will continue to enrich the lives of all users by promoting
health and wellness, walkability, accessibility, safe communities, and community pride while preserving
natural resources and increasing wildland urban interface (WUI) protection. With this project, the Tribe
seeks to provide conscientious continuity of ADA accessibility, cultural themes, increasing opportunities
for health and wellness and community engagement.”Crews are set to begin work on the Hoopa community project this spring and complete it in June 2024
This article appears in Weighing the Fish Scales of Economic Development.
