Port Hueneme Library secures $200K for clean air shelter HVAC upgrade

Ventura County's Air Pollution Control Board has taken a significant step towards improving public health and air quality by approving funding for a clean air shelter project at the Ray D. Pewter Library in Port Hueneme. During the meeting on April 17, 2025, board members unanimously agreed to allocate up to $200,000 from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to upgrade the library's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

This initiative aims to transform the library into a clean air shelter, particularly vital for the community classified as disadvantaged and low-income. The upgraded HVAC system will be equipped to filter out fine particulate matter, especially from wildfire smoke, which has increasingly affected the area. The total cost for the HVAC replacement is estimated at $197,298, with the funding ensuring coverage for any unforeseen expenses.

District staff highlighted the collaborative effort with the Ventura County Library and the Sustainability Division to identify the library as an ideal location for this project, especially given its ongoing renovations due to previous flooding. The decision to create a clean air shelter aligns with broader goals to mitigate air pollution and enhance community resilience against environmental hazards.

In addition to this project, the board also discussed the approval of seven grants through the Carl Moyer program, aimed at supporting marine repower projects. This reflects the district's ongoing commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality across various sectors.

The approval of the library project marks a proactive approach to addressing air quality challenges in Ventura County, with expectations for positive impacts on community health and safety in the face of increasing wildfire risks.