SAN JOSE (CBS SF) – A state senator succeeded in including $ 2 million for waste reduction in the 2021 state budget, which the legislature passed this week.
State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) secured the funds in the Budget Act of 2021. His plan is to work with the Santa Clara County Consumer Protection and Environmental Agency (CEPA ) and the 15 towns in the county to “identify and prioritize beautification areas and waste reduction opportunities” in the county.
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“The build-up of trash and litter is a growing concern in our community which has placed an unfair burden on our residents,” Cortese said in a statement. “By expanding an existing program, this funding can quickly and effectively address waste and debris hotspots in any neighborhood in Santa Clara County that need to be downsized or pose safety concerns.”
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The $ 2 million is used to fund cleanup programs across the county. The program focuses on “hot spots” such as motorway interchanges, Caltrans rights-of-way and areas where waste poses safety concerns.
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Currently, CEPA has a multi-year agreement with Caltrans and San Jose Conservation Corp (SJCC) to clean up Caltrans rights-of-way throughout the county. The agreement expires in fiscal year 2022.
