Related Articles
-Editorial
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has announced the awarding of over $500,000 in Public Green Space Grants to support shade tree planting and environmental enhancement projects across the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. The funding will support 23 projects and the planting of approximately 1,000 trees, aiming to reduce urban heat, expand green spaces, and improve air quality.
“This investment will help create cooler, more livable communities and help the environment,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader.
Now in its second year, the Public Green Space Grant program is open to cities, counties, school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations. This year, IID awarded a total of $507,501, with full funding to be released upon project completion. The grants are part of IID’s Tree for All Program, funded by the state-mandated Public Benefits Charge.
The selected projects are expected to avoid more than 1.6 million pounds of carbon emissions over the estimated 40-year lifespan of the trees and save an estimated 4.9 million kilowatt hours in energy consumption.
Three local recipients of the IID Public Green Space Grants include the City of Imperial, which will plant 50 shade trees across parks and green spaces; the El Centro Elementary School District, which received funding to plant 103 trees across multiple campuses; and Amistad High School in Indio, which will use the grant to replace 22 trees lost to storms.
“Trees play a critical role in improving our environment and enhancing quality of life,” said IID Board Vice Chair JB Hamby. “They reduce energy use, lower cooling costs, and beautify neighborhoods.”
Local leaders expressed appreciation for the program. “This provides a huge benefit to our community,” said Tony Lopez, Imperial’s Parks and Recreation Director. “It helps us increase carbon capture and enhance quality of life.”
Mike Reyla of El Centro Elementary School District emphasized the program’s environmental and educational value. “This grant helps us create healthier, more sustainable campuses and sets a positive example for students.”
Richard Pimentel, Principal of Amistad High School, said the trees will help restore the campus. “Reducing our carbon footprint was the main reason we applied for the grant.”
IID plans to continue supporting regional sustainability efforts through future grant cycles.