Santa Barbara County governmental agencies and nonprofits will receive more than $70 million in state funding to support local projects across the region, after specific earmarks were added to the California budget bill.

California lawmakers approved Assembly Bill 113 in September, which grants $1.3 billion in bonus funds for projects across the state.

The funding, commonly known as earmarks, is provided to state lawmakers for different projects in their home districts. The local projects range from college gym renovations to dental services.

Noozhawk reached out to the office of Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón for comment about the earmarks, but did not receive a response as of Friday.

The funding bill includes $29.2 million to Allan Hancock College for gym renovations. The school’s 2023 master plan lists modernizing the sports pavilion.  

“Hancock is grateful for the state’s investment in our students,” said Superintendent and President Kevin G. Walther.

“The college is currently evaluating next steps for the Building N project and looks forward to sharing more details with our community in the future. This funding is specific to Building N and does not address the college’s broader, long-term needs,” he told Noozhawk.

The college is currently proposing a $290-million bond measure to fund campuswide upgrades. Measure H will be on the November election ballot.

Other state funding listed specifically in AB113 is $6 million for the purchase and renovation of the La Casa de la Raza building in Santa Barbara. The building at 601 E. Montecito St. is currently in escrow and could be sold sometime this month.

City spokesperson Bryan Latchford said the city is monitoring the sale proceedings, and the money could be used to purchase the building if city officials decide to do so.

The nonprofit that operated out of that building was forced to pause its activities in 2021 due to bankruptcy. The building is being sold as part of the bankruptcy settlement.

Santa Barbara was also granted $5 million for restorations to Pershing Park.

The state also set aside $10 million for public access upgrades to Hartnell Ranch.

Vanessa Stowers, development and communications director of The Land Trust for Santa Barbara County, said the group is developing a preserve in the Santa Maria Valley.

The reserve was included as part of the Land Trust’s 2020-2025 strategic plan in response to community input, according to Stowers.

The city of Santa Maria also received $300,000 for a Santa Maria Simas Park Memorial Statue. Another $1.2 million was granted to the city to implement its ADA transition plan.

Other earmarks provided by the state include $3.3 million for the Carpinteria Community Pool. The city also received $1.1 million for community library improvements.

Goleta was granted $2 million to upgrade the Goleta Valley Community Center’s childcare and preschool facilities. Another $500,000 was allocated for renovations to the Goleta Valley Library.

The Santa Ynez Valley Union High School District will receive $3 million for the Santa Ynez Valley Community Aquatics Center.

The Santa Ynez Valley Children’s Museum was granted $2 million to support its development.

Lompoc was granted $1.5 million for the Lompoc Community Plaza.

Guadalupe was granted $1 million for the Pioneer Lift Station Rehabilitation Project. The project will update the city’s wastewater infrastructure by replacing its sewage lift station and upgrading its connecting pipelines.

Santa Barbara County also received funding through the budget earmarks to support different organizations and projects.

That includes $1.7 million for a San Antonia Creek walking path and $30,000 for an emergency communication transmission tower.

Additionally, the county received $1.3 million to support “a three-chair mobile dental vehicle to provide oral health services to county residents.”

The California Food Bank Delivery Alliance was granted $3 million, which includes the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and other organizations like the Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

The full bill and list of earmarks can be viewed online here.