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Press release from the Hoopa Valley Tribe:

As part of his landmark Clean California initiative, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the award of $5 million to the Hoopa Valley Tribe. The program is designed to foster cultural connections and civic pride, the project initiative led by The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The Clean California Local Grant Program is part of a two-year program through which approximately $296 million in funds will go to local communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers to clean and enhance public spaces. Through the combination of adding beautification measures and art in public spaces along with the removal of litter and debris, this effort will enhance communities and improve spaces for walking and recreation. Additionally, with an eye on equity, half of the overall program funds benefit underserved communities. The maximum project amount is $5 million.

Developed in close collaboration with tribal and local governments, non-profits, and businesses, the state beautification projects will be completed in California’s counties including art installations, green space, and proposals that improve safety and promote community connections. 

“This is much-needed and such welcome news,” said Hoopa Vice-Chairman Everett Colegrove. “The Hoopa community is grateful to be funded by the Governor’s initiative. Nearly all of the chosen sites are in historically underserved communities.”

The project consists of four separate areas owned by the Tribe: Pookey’s Park, Hoopa Rodeo Grounds, Tish Tang Campground, and Neighborhood Facilities.  The community will receive a makeover, including debris removal, beautification, rehabilitation, and enhancement of community parks and spaces.  The project will also improve accessibility and added upgrades, as well as memorialized elements added to the sites. 

“The Hoopa Valley Tribe is very excited about this opportunity,” said Hoopa Tribal Chairman Joe Davis. “All four (4) of these spaces serve as public areas regularly used by community members of all ages and the proposed work at these existing facilities will continue to enrich the lives of all users by promoting health and wellness, walkability, accessibility, safe communities, and community pride while preserving natural resources and increasing wildland urban interface (WUI) protection. With this project, the Tribe seeks to provide conscientious continuity of ADA accessibility, cultural themes, increasing opportunities for health and wellness and community engagement.”

Crews are set to begin work on the Hoopa community project this spring and complete it in June 2024