Costa Secures $23 Million Grant for Job Growth and Training Programs in the Central Valley

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) announced a $23 million American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant for the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to develop and spur the Central Valley's economy and create new, good-paying jobs in industries of high-demand.

The grant will fund the Good Jobs Central Valley project, which unites dozens of employers in the financial services, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and construction industries to develop apprenticeships, training programs, and career placement services. This project will develop a local workforce and strengthen the economies in Fresno, Madera, Tulare, and Kings counties. The project is expected to create more than 10,000 new jobs by 2026, in addition to existing job openings. Learn more about the project here.

"This announcement is a big deal for our Valley! Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, we are accelerating America's economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic," said Costa. "This $23 million grant will bolster our regional economy by creating new, good-paying jobs in construction, financial services, and manufacturing industries. I am proud to have advocated for this project and voted to provide the funding that made it possible. This will help build a stronger, more resilient economy for the people of the San Joaquin Valley."

"This $23 million Good Jobs Challenge grant will be a game changer for the Central Valley, which has endured high rates of poverty and unemployment for far too long. Our proposal included historic and unprecedented collaboration including Workforce Development Boards, Economic Development Organizations, educational and vocational training providers, and Community Benefit Organizations. This grant sought collaboration with employers, including more than 50 businesses committed to hiring 900+ employees that will be trained through pre-apprenticeship and on the job training programs funded by this program. Our proposal also spans four industry sectors to maximize opportunity and impact for our local economy. Here in the Central Valley, we understand - it is finally our time - and we are ready to make monumental changes for our community for generations to come." Lee Ann Eager, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President, and CEO.

"Our Valley depends on a strong and developed workforce. Apprenticeships and job training programs are critical to placing workers in good-paying jobs," said Chuck Riojas, Executive Director of the Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings Building Trades Council. "This $23 million grant will bolster job growth and expand career opportunities in high-demand industries for the next generation of innovative leaders. I commend Congressman Costa and Fresno County EDC's efforts for growing a stronger economy for the residents of the Central Valley."

This grant is funded through the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge. The Good Jobs Central Valley project is one of 32 awardee projects that were selected from a competitive pool of 509 applicants. Costa advocated for this project early in the process and is the only regional Congressional member to vote for the American Rescue Plan, which made this possible. See a copy of his support letter here.

The Good Jobs Challenge is part of a suite of American Rescue Plan programs developed by EDA to equitably distribute its $3 billion allocation to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build a better America by accelerating economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be more resilient to future economic shocks. For more information on the grantees, please visit our fact sheet.

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