September 14, 2020
Rep. Torres Announces $28 Million in Additional COVID-19 Relief for Inland Empire
POMONA – Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today announced an additional $28 million in Coronavirus relief funding for cities and counties in the Inland Empire through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
This funding, delivered via the Community Development Block Grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will help local municipalities fund rental and utility assistance, small business grants, and other social safety net programs to help residents weather the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. With past CARES Act funding, cities in the Inland Empire have already connected residents with thousands of dollars in relief at a time of great need.
Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, and Pomona Councilmember Robert Torres joined Congresswoman Torres to release the following statements:
This funding, delivered via the Community Development Block Grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will help local municipalities fund rental and utility assistance, small business grants, and other social safety net programs to help residents weather the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. With past CARES Act funding, cities in the Inland Empire have already connected residents with thousands of dollars in relief at a time of great need.
Ontario Mayor Paul Leon, Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, and Pomona Councilmember Robert Torres joined Congresswoman Torres to release the following statements:
"The unprecedented recession caused by this global pandemic has thrust Inland Empire residents into financial turmoil as they scramble to afford their basic needs, Rep. Torres said. "This round of CARES Act funding will provide the kind of immediate assistance that our community members so desperately need. The impacts of this virus will continue for months to come, and I'm committed to negotiating additional funding like this to ensure we don't leave any of our neighbors behind. Congress has a duty to pass another relief package—inaction from Senate Republicans is leaving Americans to fend for themselves and that is utterly unacceptable."
"As businesses, tenants, and municipalities work through the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds will truly make a difference," Mayor Paul Leon said. "On behalf of the City Council and the City of Ontario, I would like to thank Representative Torres for her continued leadership in securing federal funding for the Inland Empire."
"The City of Fontana is fully committed to assisting our residents and businesses navigate the impacts of this national health crisis," Mayor Acquanetta Warren said. "The additional 1.2M funding allocation will further aide our vital economic recovery efforts and will assist to ensure that Fontana continues to thrive and remain ‘Open for Business'."
"The residents of Pomona are experiencing a crisis like no other—and more than anything, they need the continued partnership of their elected leaders to bring real relief to our community," Councilmember Robert Torres said. "Thank you to Representative Torres for championing the needs of Pomona residents and delivering this vital funding for our city. Our families, renters, and small business owners depend on it.
"As businesses, tenants, and municipalities work through the financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, these funds will truly make a difference," Mayor Paul Leon said. "On behalf of the City Council and the City of Ontario, I would like to thank Representative Torres for her continued leadership in securing federal funding for the Inland Empire."
"The City of Fontana is fully committed to assisting our residents and businesses navigate the impacts of this national health crisis," Mayor Acquanetta Warren said. "The additional 1.2M funding allocation will further aide our vital economic recovery efforts and will assist to ensure that Fontana continues to thrive and remain ‘Open for Business'."
"The residents of Pomona are experiencing a crisis like no other—and more than anything, they need the continued partnership of their elected leaders to bring real relief to our community," Councilmember Robert Torres said. "Thank you to Representative Torres for championing the needs of Pomona residents and delivering this vital funding for our city. Our families, renters, and small business owners depend on it.
The breakdown of this funding to California's 35th Congressional District is as follows:
| CITY/COUNTY | CDBG |
| Pomona | $1,180,924 |
| Chino | $457,388 |
| Ontario | $1,246,263 |
| Fontana | $1,232,380 |
| Rialto | $625,260 |
| San Bernardino County | $4,538,159 |
| Los Angeles County | $18,833,718 |
Congresswoman Torres sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Since the start of the 116th Congress, Rep. Torres has helped deliver over $320 million in federal funding to the Inland Empire.
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