Merced, CA (February 16, 2026) — Several infrastructure, water and education projects in Merced County have been included in a federal funding package advanced by U.S. Rep. Adam Gray and approved at the House Appropriations Committee level for fiscal year 2026. The projects are part of more than $16 million in community project funding requests submitted for California’s 13th Congressional District and are pending final approval by Congress.
According to Gray’s official press release, Merced County projects moving forward in the federal process include a $3,150,000 allocation for the Bear Creek Infrastructure and Flood Protection Initiative in the City of Merced. The project is intended to construct and complete flood resiliency infrastructure and habitat restoration features along Bear Creek, strengthening flood protection for public safety infrastructure and nearby agricultural areas.
The City of Merced Childs and Canal Roadway Construction Project was also included, with $850,000 in proposed funding. The project calls for reconstruction of approximately 2,000 feet of roadway and installation of sidewalks, bike paths, streetlights, pedestrian crossings and ADA-compliant access ramps. The improvements are intended to enhance transportation safety, improve stormwater drainage and increase access to essential services in South Merced.
In western Merced County, the City of Dos Palos Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement Project is listed in the funding package. The proposed allocation would support upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment infrastructure, aimed at improving system reliability and regulatory compliance.
Water reliability projects serving Merced County are also included. The Le Grand–Athlone Water District and Chowchilla Water District Bidirectional Intertie Project received $1,000,000 in proposed funding, according to the announcement. The intertie would allow water to move between the two districts in certain years, improving drinking water and irrigation reliability for communities in and near Merced County.
Additionally, $366,000 was included for the Gustine Unified School District Wellness Center Project, intended to support school-based mental health services through acquisition and installation of portable facilities.
Gray emphasized that while some of these projects may not appear significant to people outside the region, they make a meaningful difference in Valley communities and directly affect residents’ daily lives.
Under House Appropriations Committee rules, members of Congress may submit up to 15 community project funding requests per fiscal year. The projects must still pass the full House and Senate and be signed into law before funds are formally awarded.
If enacted, the Merced County projects would represent millions of dollars in federal investment directed toward flood protection, roadway safety, wastewater infrastructure, water reliability and student support services across the county.
