Orange County loses over $68 million in federal funding

Orange County has missed out on more than $68 million in federal funding this year. Several projects were hoping for support, including upgrading a fire station and improving street safety. Santiago Canyon College planned to build a water science lab for training students in water utility jobs. However, these plans faced difficulty after funding was not included in a recent federal spending bill, which was meant to keep the government funded until September. Many projects in Orange County, like a $5 million new fire station in Fountain Valley and improvements at Yorba Linda, were left without the needed money. The earmarked funds were excluded from the temporary spending measure signed by President Donald Trump last week. Congress could not agree on a full-year spending plan due to political disagreements. A spokesperson for Rep. Tom Cole explained that the decision to pass a stopgap measure was necessary to prevent a government shutdown. This impacted all local funding for fiscal year 2025, regardless of political affiliation. Experts note that earmarks help support local initiatives that might not have other funding options. Many smaller institutions, like community colleges, rely heavily on these funds for important projects. Spokespeople from cities in Orange County expressed their disappointment, as the loss of earmarks will delay local improvements and initiatives. While organizations like the Orange County Transportation Authority believe their project timelines won't change, many smaller projects may struggle to find alternative funding. Some agencies plan to resubmit their projects in future years. Congress recently reinstated earmarks in 2021 with added transparency rules. Lawmakers find them beneficial as they help deliver resources directly to their communities, providing visible benefits.