VCAPCD News

Board awards $200,000 for Hueneme library ventilation upgrades

(VENTURA, Calif. — March 12, 2025) The Ventura County Air Pollution Control Board on March 11 approved a grant of up to $200,000 to help establish the first Clean Air Center in Ventura County at Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme.

The grant will enable the Ventura County Library System to upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system serving public areas of the building to accommodate MERV 14 high-efficiency filters. The filters remove fine particles in wildfire smoke that can harm people’s lungs and hearts. Library funding will cover the cost of the filters and HVAC upgrades to staff and volunteer areas of the library so that the whole building will have clean air.

When wildfire smoke or other pollutants cause the Air Quality Index to rise to a level that is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher in the area, the library will serve as a Clean Air Center during normal operating hours and, when feasible and necessary, extended periods.

“This investment is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about public health and safety,” said Board Vice Chair and Fourth District Supervisor Janice Parvin. “Ensuring that our libraries provide clean, safe spaces is a priority for the County of Ventura. We are proud to support this project and make the Ray D. Prueter Library an even better resource for our community.”

VCAPCD is funding the grant through the Community Air Protection Program, which was developed by the California Air Resources Board for projects that reduce exposure to air pollution in communities most impacted by it.

“We are thrilled to make the Ray D. Prueter Library a healthier and safer place for our community,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram.