First published in the Jan. 21 print issue of the Burbank Leader.
U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff recently secured more than $2.4 million in federal funds for two community projects to improve public safety and public health in Burbank.
A portion of the funding — $1,235,750 — will go toward a dedicated Emergency Operations Center to increase the efficiency of Burbank’s emergency response support and coordination.
“Emergency operations centers are vital to ensuring first responders can swiftly, efficiently, and thoroughly respond to any number of potential disasters or critical incidents,” Schiff said. “Like every community, Burbank should have a dedicated space for these activities, in order to provide the best possible services for its residents. This funding will ensure my constituents and their families can sleep better at night knowing Burbank is prepared for whatever the future holds.”
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony added: “On behalf of the city of Burbank and the residents we serve, we are grateful to Congressman Adam Schiff for championing our new Emergency Operations Center and securing $1,235,750 for the project in the recently enacted fiscal year 2023 government funding bill. Burbank will now be able to refurbish existing space at City Hall to provide a mission capable EOC that will better serve our community.”
The remaining funds — $1,200,000 — will support Kids’ Community Dental Clinic of Burbank expand its free and low-cost oral care services for low-income children with the construction of a new building.
“Dental care is so vital for long-term health, and needs to start when children are young,” Schiff said. “But all too often, dental care is financially out of reach for so many families in our community. I’m thrilled this funding will help KCDC expand its vital services to even more children in Burbank and make health care more equitable and affordable across our community.”
Dale Gorman, executive director of Kids’ Community Dental Clinic of Burbank said Adam Schiff has long been an ally and supporter of the clinic, since its founding in 2001.
“He has watched KCDC evolve from offering dental treatments to 20-30 underserved children a week, to providing over 10,000 program encounters a year including treatments, preventive education and community outreach,” Gorman said. “Congressman Schiff has visited and encouraged KCDC year after year and we could not be more honored and thrilled for his demonstrated belief in our mission.
“We are immensely grateful for this incredible CPF grant which will enable Kids’ Community Dental Clinic to meet increasing service demand through a capital expansion that will allow us to bring greater health equity to more children and their families,” he added.
The $2.4 million in funds were included in the fiscal year 2023 federal government funding legislation, which President Joe Biden signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022.
Overall, Schiff has secured more than $13.7 million for critical housing, homelessness support, employment, public safety, public health and education projects throughout Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles.
