Bakersfield's ‘Southeast Strong initiative' nearly impacted by federal funding cuts
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — President Donald Trump's efforts to shrink federal funding is sending shockwaves to communities across the country including those in Kern County.
Federal grants fund projects in Bakersfield, such as the Southeast Strong initiative, to rebuild and revitalize one of Bakersfield's poorest communities.
'We have been notified from the federal government that, that was one of the projects on their initial lists to be looked at, but there has been a court injunction put in place that does not allow the federal government to stop those funds from going forward,' said Christian Clegg, Bakersfield's city manager.
On March 6, a Rhode Island judge blocked the Trump Administration's cutbacks, securing federal funds for 22 states and the District of Columbia.
California kept grant funds for local projects.
Firefighters put out fire to hangar at Tehachapi Airport
The Southeast Strong Initiative is funded by a $22 million state grant, as well as a grant through the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which adds an additional $20 million.
Eight projects in the initiative were funded by the EPA national grant, from installing solar panels on the Friendship House Community Center to road projects like 4th and P street improvements and Safe Routes to School improvements, to community outreach and workforce development.
Clegg said the city is moving swiftly on these projects while the injunction is in place.
'We're trying to move quickly to do as much as we can on that project,' said Clegg. 'But importantly, that state funding we do not anticipate to be at risk.'
That state funding is putting in place one of the most expensive projects in the initiative: rebuilding and revitalizing the Bakersfield Senior Center.
The 50-year-old building is going to be torn down and completely built up with multiple floors.
'Affordable housing for seniors, as well as also provide services and programs for our seniors,' said Lilli Parker, the center's executive director.
There are also cottages being built next to the center for affordable housing,
'If you can beautify an area, everything changes, so those are just some of the few changes that's going to occur,' said Parker.
If grant funding is taken away, Clegg explained how the city will manage.
'We'll look for other grants to fund them, and if not, it would just take a lot longer time that we can slowly fit those into our annual road projects,' said Clegg.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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