Press Release
Posted:
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced that $6,546,139 for three projects in Napa County is included in the final 2023 appropriations government funding bill. This funding includes $4,000,000 for the Napa Valley Vine Trail Project, $1,796,139 for OLE Health’s Electronic Records Project, and $750,000 for the Napa Intensive and Permanent Mental Health Housing Project.
“Working with local leaders to identify projects that will help our community is one of my top priorities every year,” said Thompson. “I am proud that three vital projects in Napa County were included in the government funding bill passed today. These projects will connect our communities, promote economic growth, provide vital support to those experiencing mental health issues or substance abuse, and help our health care providers better serve our region.
“Proud to have secured this funding and I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this bill into law.”
“On behalf of Napa County, City of St Helena, Town of Yountville and the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition, we are very grateful for this transformational funding.” said Chuck McMinn, Founder and President of the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. “The community funded project will accelerate the engineering, survey and easement work in 2023 to be positioned for shovel-ready grants at the state and regional level. As the alternative transportation ‘spine’ of the Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vine Trail Gap Closure Project will connect two existing shared-use trail segments completing 31-continuous-miles providing a safe alternative along busy SR29 completing the transportation network gap and a step forward to achieve Vision Zero for the County.”
"Improving our health records system is an expensive but critical upgrade. As a nonprofit health center, it would not be possible for us to make this switch without significant financial support, like that offered by the funding in the appropriations bill. Thank you, Congressman Thompson, for your tireless advocacy in Congress for OLE Health and the vulnerable members of our community that we serve,” said Alicia Hardy, CEO and President of Ole Health.
“Affordable housing and transitioning clients from homelessness to permanent housing is a priority of the City of Napa. Every housing unit we can create helps, and we are grateful to Congressman Thompson for advocating for local programs that address this critical need. We look forward to working with Mentis on expanding their incredibly successful program to create independent living opportunities for those with co-occurring mental health needs,” said Napa Mayor Scott Sedgley.
The funding amounts for projects in Napa County included in the government funding bill are:
- $4,000,000 for the Napa Valley Vine Trail Project which will support the planning, engineering, and environmental work to close the 10-mile gap in the Vine Trail segments from Napa to Yountville and St. Helena to Calistoga to boost the local economy and promote safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
- $1,796,139 for OLE Health’s Electronic Records Project which will implement a new system to better coordinate patient care with providers throughout our community.
- $750,000 for the Napa Intensive and Permanent Mental Health Housing Project which will allow the City of Napa to expand its permanent housing model to support individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse needs by constructing and furnishing units to support the addition of eight additional clients.
Rep. Thompson also secured $3.7 billion for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP, formerly known as WHIP+) for agricultural losses sustained in 2022 due to wildfires, drought, freeze, and other natural disasters. Our growers have been facing an unprecedented drought, and this program will help producers to rebuild and recover by providing financial assistance to cover a portion of their losses. This program is important because it helps to ensure that farmers and ranchers have the resources they need to continue operating their businesses, even in the face of natural disasters. It also helps to stabilize rural communities and keep the agricultural sector strong, which is vital for maintaining a secure and reliable food supply for the country.
Thompson also secured $1,205,966 for UC Davis to acquire two pieces of equipment which are essential for grape smoke exposure research in our district. Research on smoke taint is vital to help winemakers and grape growers better understand the effects of smoke taint, as well as develop strategies for mitigating its impact. This is important because smoke taint can significantly reduce the value and marketability of affected wines, which can have serious economic consequences for the wine industry.
This bill passed the Senate by vote of 68-29. The bill passed the House by a vote of 225-201-1. It will now go to President Biden’s desk for his signature. A detailed summary of the bill is available here.