CONGRESSMAN JIM COSTA SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA PARTNERSHIP FOR THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

Fresno, CA- Today, CongressmanJim Costa (CA-20) announced his support for the Executive Order creating "ACalifornia Partnership for the SanJoaquin Valley." This partnership will bring together variousgovernment and private entities committed to bringing about economic growth andprosperity within the San JoaquinValley.

"This is an exciting opportunity forseveral entities to bring their diverse knowledge to the drawing board andrededicate themselves to implementing a plan for revitalizing the San Joaquin Valley," Congressman Costa stated.

All members of the partnership willbe appointed by the Governor and will include eight state government officials,eight private sector employees, and two deputy chairs. Various state officials will also serve as exofficio members.

Those involved on the Federal levelwill include the state's Congressional Representatives and the federal TaskForce for the Economic Recovery of the San Joaquin Valley. Together these groups will promote projectswith the federal government that the Partnership has deemed necessary in thearea.

The Partnership will look to theUniversity of California, California State University, California Community Collegesand other educational institutions and private foundations to provide aframework for supplemental studies that will be helpful in identifying areasand ways of improvement.

"Building working relationships with variousgovernmental and nongovernmental agencies and valuing the input of thesevarious agencies is a step in the right direction toward improving our Valley'seconomy. Together we will have a betterability to advocate on behalf of the SanJoaquin Valley,"Congressman Costa concluded.