Rep. Panetta Announces Federal Funding for Martial Cottle Park

August 12, 2026 Press Release San Jose, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) brought together Santa Clara County officials and community partners to announce $250,000 in federal funding that he secured for the Martial Cottle Park Improvements Project. The community project funding, provided through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Economic Development Initiative, supports the implementation of Phase I of the park’s 31-acre Historic Ranch Site Plan. “Here in the Silicon Valley, we’re very proud of our innovation and technology, but we’re also proud of our roots in agriculture and the hard work that has defined the Santa Clara Valley. There is no greater place to experience that heritage than Martial Cottle Park, which embodies both the beauty and the bounty that make the 19th Congressional District so special,” said Rep. Panetta. “The significant federal funding secured will carry forward the Cottle family’s legacy by helping repurpose historic buildings, expand opportunities for agricultural education and recreation, and strengthen the park as a gathering place for the entire South San Jose community.” “With Congressman Panetta’s leadership in securing $250,000 in federal funding, we open a new chapter in honoring the agricultural legacy of the Martial Cottle Park Deed through the implementation of Phase I of the Martial Cottle Historic Ranch Site Plan,” said Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, Vice President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors representing District 1. “This project is a testament to our efforts to preserve Santa Clara County’s agricultural roots and farms while expanding agricultural education and agritourism for future generations.” “The Santa Clara County Parks Department is looking forward to celebrating the completion of Phase I of the Cottle Lester Historic Ranch project and opening of the perimeter trail with the public in November,” said Julie Andersen, Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Land Stewardship. “This project is a significant milestone in preserving the agricultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley, and the Department thanks Congressman Panetta for the generous funding contribution that helped make this project possible.” The funding is helping repurpose historic ranch buildings and create educational spaces, outdoor classrooms, community gathering areas, reservable picnic areas, accessible pathways, restrooms, and a large outdoor event space. The full Historic Ranch Site Plan will transform the 31-acre site while preserving its agricultural character and historic structures. The project carries forward the Cottle family’s decision to preserve the ranch for public use, education, and future generations, while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to learn about the region’s agricultural heritage. Rep. Panetta worked for this federal funding to be included in the most recent appropriations package. For FY 2026, he secured $3.75 million in community project funding for local projects across Santa Clara County, and a total of over $15 million to fund 14 local projects in California’s 19 th Congressional District. Photos and b-roll from the press conference are available here . Rep. Panetta's remarks are available here . A video of the press conference is available here . ### Issues : Environment