Community Applauds Congressman Fong for Securing $104 Million for District in FY26 Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted in favor of the government funding agreement passed by the Senate last week, ending the partial government shutdown and continuing to deliver results for the Central Valley. The legislation enacts five full-year FY26 appropriations bills previously passed by the House and was signed into law by President Trump this afternoon. In total, Congressman Fong secured nearly $104 million for critical local projects across the district.

“I was honored to partner with our community to deliver critical funding for California’s 20th District that strengthens our communities, invests in local water infrastructure, enhances public safety, and reinforces our national security,” said Congressman Fong (CA-20). “Today’s House vote restores fiscal responsibility in Washington by reopening the government, cuts wasteful spending, and makes needed investments throughout the Central Valley. I thank President Trump for signing this important bill into law.”

Local Funding Secured by Congressman Fong in FY26 Appropriations Packages: 

Fresno County:

• $2,000,000 to establish 3,300 acres of groundwater recharge basins in the Fresno Irrigation District, Consolidated Irrigation District, and Alta Irrigation districts to provide reliable groundwater supplies to farmers as well as local communities.
  • During wet years, this project will have the ability to recharge over 250,000-acre feet of water in its aquifers, significantly improving the Central Valley water table and supply reliability.

"Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Representative Fong, the $2 million community project funding for the Upper Kings Water Resiliency Project marks a significant step forward in enhancing our Valley’s water security,” said Bill Stretch, General Manager of the Fresno Irrigation District. “These dollars will go towards ensuring that our communities and agricultural industry have reliable access to water for years to come. By focusing on sustainability and resilience, we are not just addressing immediate needs; we are building a foundation for future generations in the Valley.”

Kern County

• $3,000,000 for the Kern Council of Governments to advance the Centennial Corridor connector ramp linking southbound SR 99 to westbound SR 58, improving safety, mobility, and freight movement.
• $7,000,000 to recapitalize layered tanks at the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Lab at Edwards Air Force Base, supporting critical rocket testing infrastructure.
• $5,000,000 to pilot AI-enabled software upgrades within the Department of War’s Insider Threat Program, strengthening protections against internal and foreign security threats.
• $4,000,000 for the Naval Air Warfare Rapid Capabilities Office to support advanced work at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, ensuring continued progress in naval aviation and electronic warfare systems.
• $15,000,000 to enhance a reusable hypersonic test bed, expanding America’s hypersonic testing capabilities.
• $8.9 million to design a new Child Development Center at NAWS China Lake, replacing an outdated facility to meet growing childcare needs.
• City of Ridgecrest – Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement
• $1,000,000 to modernize a 70-year-old facility serving Ridgecrest and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
• Cerro Coso Community College – Cybersecurity Program
• $1,112,250 to establish a new cybersecurity education program supporting workforce development in Kern County.

“Congressman Vince Fong’s leadership in securing $3 million in vital funding for the Centennial Corridor Connector Ramp is a major win for Kern County, strengthening roadway safety, easing traffic flow, and supporting efficient freight transportation between State Route 99 and State Route 58,” saidChairman Phillip Peters of the Kern County Board of Supervisors. 

“Securing $3 million in funding for the Centennial Corridor Connector Ramp is a key victory for Bakersfield. I’m grateful to Congressman Fong for delivering this investment, which will make our roads safer, keep traffic moving, and support the businesses and workers who rely on efficient transportation every day,” said Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh. 

“The Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) team appreciates the continued support from Representative Fong in the form of this appropriation, which will be used to help complete the 8^th and final movement at the interchange between Highways 99 and 58,” said John (Jay) Schlosser, P.E., Executive Director. “The Kern Centennial Corridor Freeway Connector Ramp: SR 99 to SR 58, known as the 8^th Movement seeks to permit southbound Highway 99 traffic to move west onto Highway 58.  Congressman Fong has been a faithful supporter of enhancing mobility in Kern County, including metropolitan Bakersfield, and this appropriation is yet another example of that dedication.  With this appropriation, the project is fully funded, and we expect to enter construction in 2027.  This project marks the final piece of a 20-year endeavor to dramatically improve access in Bakersfield, a vision and goal made possible by our former congressman, the Honorable Bill Thomas, so many years ago.”

"East Kern has a proud history of flight test and evaluation. The MACH Program builds on this legacy, demonstrating a continued commitment to public-private partnerships that accelerate American capabilities in hypersonic technologies and supporting the companies and entrepreneurs at the leading edge of critical innovation,” said Justin Salters, project lead for East Kern and the Antelope Valley at Griffiss Institute. “We appreciate Rep. Fong’s leadership on the MACH Program and the positive impacts it will bring to our region.”

"The infrastructure funding for the AFRL Rocket Lab by Congressman Fong has been critical in ensuring national test capabilities don't atrophy during such a critical time for our nation,” said Dr. Shawn Phillips, retired chief of the Rocket Propulsion Division. “Replacement of aging hardware and upgrades to meet advanced testing needs would not have been possible without this support." 

“Congressman Fong’s leadership in these investments will have a profound and enduring impact on both NAWS China Lake, Ridgecrest, and the surrounding communities,” said Stephen Farmer, Executive Director of the China Lake Alliance. “Modern childcare facilities, enhanced wastewater infrastructure, and expanded cybersecurity education at Cerro Coso Community College directly contribute to military readiness by enhancing the quality of life for service members and civilians, while simultaneously fostering a more skilled and robust local workforce. Furthermore, funding for the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office ensures that China Lake will continue its progress in developing critical technologies essential for countering the escalating global threats.”

Kings County

• $3,000,000 for the development of a new headquarters for the Kings County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services, strengthening emergency response and coordination.
• Naval Air Station Lemoore
• $2,500,000 to support testing of technology that reduces the risk of foreign object debris, improving aircraft safety and operational readiness.
• $17,000,000 to design a new F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at NAS Lemoore, improving maintenance capacity for the Navy’s F-35 program.
• City of Lemoore – Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Water Meters
• $1,000,000 to improve water conservation, detect leaks, and protect groundwater resources vital to the community and Naval Air Station Lemoore.

“Congressman Fong really came through for Kings County,” said Rusty Robinson, Chairman of the Kings County Board of Supervisors. “The new Fire Department and Emergency Operations Center headquarters will give our firefighters and emergency teams the space and tools they need to better protect our residents. At the same time, continued investment at NAS Lemoore strengthens the base’s mission and supports the service members and families who are such an important part of our community. These projects are a big win for public safety, national security, and Kings County as a whole.” 

Tulare County

• City of Visalia – Groundwater Recharge Basin F Project
• $2,000,000 to expand stormwater capture, improve groundwater quality in the Kaweah Subbasin, and support a future 248-acre regional park.
• City of Tulare – Police Dispatch Expansion Project
• $579,150 to expand the Tulare Police Department’s dispatch center, improving emergency response times and officer safety.
• Tule River Tribe – Intake Structure and Pipeline Improvements
• $1,250,000 to replace aging water transmission infrastructure and ensure reliable, safe water access for the Tribe.
• Success Reservoir Enlargement Project
• $14,600,000 to finalize operational requirements for the expanded reservoir, improving flood protection and water reliability for Tulare County.
• The Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the bill includes language allowing up to $15 million for NASA’s Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonic (MACH) Program, following agency evaluation.
• The directive prioritizes flight testing and requires NASA to brief House and Senate appropriators within 60 days of enactment.

“The $2 million received in Community Project Funding to the City of Visalia will have a lasting impact on our community,” said VisaliaMayor Brett Taylor. “This investment will strengthen our groundwater recharge capacity, improve stormwater management, and advance a critical component of the East Side Regional Park. We respectfully thank Representative Fong for sponsoring this important funding and for his continued support of Visalia’s infrastructure priorities.”

“On behalf of the City of Tulare, we are grateful for Congressman Fong’s leadership and advocacy on behalf of our community,” said Tulare Mayor Patrick Isherwood. “This investment will directly improve our emergency response capabilities and help ensure our first responders have the tools they need to protect our community and region. Reducing response times and updating dispatch equipment are critical facets of the City’s commitment to service excellence, and securing funding for our dispatch expansion project is an immense achievement that will have a lasting impact on the safety, preparedness, and resilience of our community.”

"We appreciate Congressman Vince Fong and Congressman David Valadao for their leadership in securing $14.6 million in FY 2026 federal funding for the Success Reservoir Enlargement Project (SREP),” said Eric Limas, General Manager, Lower Tule River and Pixley Irrigation Districts. “This investment will strengthen water reliability, improve flood protection, and support the communities and farms of California’s agricultural heartland."