County comes together for Urban Greening Project at ICOE

EL CENTRO — On Monday, October 17, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District (ICAPCD) and Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE) held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the ICOE West Urban Greening Project, located at the ICOE Administrative Conference Center.

“I’m very proud of the work that has been done, and appreciate the efforts of Juan Verdugo, Magali Meza, and Wendy Rangel to bring it to completion,” said Dr. Todd Finnell, County Superintendent of Schools. “This greening project will not only be good for the environment, but it will be instrumental in our efforts to improve the health and wellness of our employees, their families, and those in the community. We appreciate the opportunity to work with the ICAPCD and are grateful for their support.”

This is one of seven greening projects identified by the AB 617 Community Steering Committee and funded by the AB 617 Community Air Protection Program (CAPP) to reduce emissions of toxic air contaminants and criteria pollutants in environmental justice communities affected by a high cumulative exposure burden and to provide education to increase awareness on air quality matters.

Other projects within the El Centro-Heber-Calexico community areas include the Imperial Valley Urban Forest (El Centro), Children’s Park Adventure Trail Project (Heber), Estancia Park Tree Planting Project (Heber), “Tito” Park Tree Planting Project (Heber), Wastewater Treatment Plant Tree Planting Project (Heber), and Water Treatment Plant Tree Planting Project (Heber).

Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Jesus Eduardo Escobar, said, “I commend our Air Pollution Control District and AB 617 Community Steering Committee for identifying and implementing projects like this that show the County’s commitment to collaborating with local agencies, creating healthy and vibrant communities, and reducing dust emissions that impact all residents of Imperial County.”

This project, and all other Urban Greening Projects, will have no impact to the County General Fund and funded through the APCD.

For more information on AB 617 and upcoming Community Steering Committee meetings, visit www.ICAB617Community.org.

PHOTO COURTESY ICAPCD Members from ICOE, ICAPDC and the County of Imperial Board of Supervisors line up as County Superintendent of Schools, Todd Finnell (left of center, with scissors), cuts the ribbon in celebration of the ICOE Urban Greening Project completion, on Monday, Oct. 17, in El Centro.