(SACRAMENTO) -- Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) applauded today’s decision by the South Coast Air Quality Management District to devote the entire $53 million in Sentinel Mitigation Fund dollars to projects in the Coachella Valley:

I am very pleased by AQMD’s decision to uphold the intent of AB 1318 by ensuring that the Sentinel Mitigation Fund dollars are put to use where they will be most needed – in Coachella Valley communities.  The purpose of the funding is to offset the air quality impacts of the Sentinel facility, and this decision creates a tremendous opportunity for our region to make investments that will improve public health and quality of life for many people in our region.  The Board also took steps that demonstrate that it heard the issues we have raised regarding equitable access to the RFP process, by offering technical assistance and committing to establish clear and transparent guidelines.  AQMD’s actions today indicate they are operating in good faith and intend to work in a fair manner with Coachella Valley communities.  I look forward to working with the Air District as we move toward the RFP implementation process.

Visit Assemblyman Pérez’s website at:  http://asmdc.org/members/a80/.

Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez represents the 80th Assembly District that includes the communities of Blythe, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Springs, and Westmorland.

Contact: Amy L. Wilson, 916-319-2080