Imperial County

Heber, CA. — The County of Imperial, in partnership with the Assembly Bill (AB) 617 Community Steering Committee of the Calexico-Heber-El Centro Corridor and the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, celebrated the completion of the Heber Townsite Improvements Phase II Paving Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Held at the intersection of 7th Street and Heffernan Avenue, the ceremony marked an important milestone for the Heber community and the continued effort to invest in projects that support cleaner air, safer streets, and improved quality of life for residents.

The Imperial County Department of Public Works was awarded $2,435,574.94 for the paving of approximately 56,440 square feet of unpaved roadway shoulders north of State Route 86 between Heber Avenue and Heffernan Avenue. The project was designed to reduce fugitive dust emissions caused by vehicle use of unpaved roadway shoulders, while also bringing new sidewalks to the area to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility.

For the community of Heber, the project represents more than a roadway improvement. It reflects years of collaboration, community input, and a shared commitment to addressing local air quality concerns while creating safer routes for families, students, pedestrians, and commuters.

“This project is a meaningful investment in Heber’s health, safety, and quality of life,” said Imperial County Board of Supervisors District 2 Supervisor Martha Cardenas-Singh. “By improving these roadways and adding sidewalks, we are helping create cleaner, safer, and more accessible streets for the families who live here.”

The ribbon cutting program included welcoming remarks from Supervisor Cardenas-Singh, followed by remarks from Juan Cruz, Superintendent of Heber Elementary School District; Delfine P. Matus, Vice President of the Heber Public Utility District; Diana Garcia-Ruiz, AB 617 Calexico-Heber-El Centro Community Steering Committee Member; and Belen Leon-Lopez, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer.

The County of Imperial extends its appreciation to the Imperial County Department of Public Works, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, the AB 617 Community Steering Committee, local partners, and the residents of Heber for their continued support and collaboration in bringing this project to completion.

The Heber Townsite Improvements Phase II Paving Project is part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality and infrastructure within the Calexico-Heber-El Centro Corridor, with a focus on reducing emissions, increasing safety, and supporting healthier communities.

For more information, please contact Ismael Garcia, Project Manager with the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, at (442) 265-1800.