CONGRESSMAN COSTA ANNOUNCES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GRANT FUNDS

Fresno, CA - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-20)announced that the United States Department of Education has named three Fresno CountySchools, Sanger Unified, Firebaugh-LasDeltas Unified and FresnoUnified SchoolDistrict as recipients of the Alcohol AbuseReduction Grants Program. Combined, theschools will receive just over $1 million.

"Asour communities grow so do the educational needs of low-income and rural areas;these funds help various organizations realize their goal of providing the bestpossible educational opportunities to their students," Congressman Costa said.

TheGrants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse Program provides resources to local educationalagencies to develop and implement innovative and effective alcohol abuse preventionprograms for secondary school students. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration willprovide technical assistance, disseminate program information and providetraining to the grantees.

Thisgrant is awarded in year increments and it is anticipated that it will last fora total of three years. Sanger UnifiedSchool District will receive $306,831,Firebaugh-Las DeltasUnified SchoolDistrict will receive $319,496 and Fresno UnifiedSchool District willreceive $487,946.

"Throughthe use of these funds, schools will have the tools necessary to combat themany societal ills caused by underage alcohol abuse," concluded CongressmanCosta.