September 12, 2023

IN SANTA ANA, REP. CORREA ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO DECREASE CRIME IN ORANGE COUNTY, CREATE SCIENCE PROGRAMMING SPACE FOR FAMILIES

Federal Funding For Discovery Cube Is Part Of Nearly $30 Million Congressman Correa Secured For Community Projects In CA-46 In The FY’23 Omnibus Package

Photos Available For Download HERE

SANTA ANA, CA – Yesterday, Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) joined Discovery Cube CEO Joe Adams, Discovery Cube Board Members, and local elected officials to announce $2 million in federal funding for Discovery Cube to acquire adjacent blighted property and create an educational community facility for youth and their families.

This sustainably designed facility will be located along the Santiago Creek. Rep. Correa secured federal funding for this project because of the vast community support it holds from both residents and businesses who believe that the only way to transform this portion of the underserved community, is to acquire, demolish and rebuild this property into a community asset.

Image (15)

Rep. Correa delivers federal funding to Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, CA

“Central Orange County is a green space desert, and our children and their families deserve more of it. Not just to protect their health, but to make sure they can play, learn, and dream together,” Correa said. “That’s why I’m so proud to bring back these federal tax dollars today, to ensure that Discovery Cube is able to continue their work inspiring and educating our community’s young minds—all while delivering the green space our community needs, and keeping our kids off the streets and safe from crime. It’s through engaging programs like these, and those we’re funding the creation of today, that we will continue to create the meaningful impact our communities deserve.”

The area adjacent to the Discovery Cube is currently a motel that has a history of serving as a magnet for crime. For the last four years, the Cube has been meeting with local community groups and the City of Santa Ana on this property. From 2019 to the present, the Santa Ana Police Department has received more than 440 calls for service at the property and has been the source of frequent community complaints. The City’s Code Enforcement Division has inspected the property and discovered more than 140 violations of state building codes, including unsafe modifications, rodent and vermin infestations, lack of working smoke detectors, and other violations caused by a lack of proper maintenance—and many adjacent businesses and residents in the area have felt the negative impact of the presence of motel. 

Image (23)

Rep. Correa delivers remarks following presentation of federal funding to Discovery Cube in Santa Ana, CA

“The Discovery Science Center is grateful for Congressman Lou Correa’s ongoing effort to assist us with our mission to spark a lifelong love of learning and discovery in the hearts of the young people of our community through science-based programs and exhibits,” said Discovery Science Center CEO Joe Adams. “Our community is fortunate to have his leadership and experience in the nation’s capital.”

This funding is part of the nearly $30 million that Rep. Correa secured for community projects throughout California’s 46th congressional district in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations bill, which President Biden signed into law last year. Rep. Correa worked in lockstep with community leaders to identify priorities for CA-46 constituents, and fought for them during the annual funding process.

###