Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board Awarded Nearly $200,000 by the EPA for Workforce Development

Fresno, CA – Rep. Jim Costa released the following statement upon the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board receiving a $192,300 environmental workforce development grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"The Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (FRWIB) has been a shining light in the community by adding jobs to our region and training unemployed and underemployed residents for Fresno County's workforce," said Costa. "The 60 added jobs provided by this grant will undoubtedly boost our economy and will support continued efforts made by farmers and farm workers to improve best practices for pest control. The Valley is an economically diverse region, and as we face this historic drought, absent more rainfall and delivery of more water, job training programs and economic assistance are going to be vital bridges to assist in recovery."

"We are thankful to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in recognizing the importance of agriculture as a leading economic sector in Fresno County. The grant awarded will fund much needed integrated pest management training empowering workers to use the right pest control method to achieve the desired result, and above all to do so safely," stated Blake Konczal, Executive Director of the Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board.

Individuals who complete the environmental job training program will receive state-recognized certificates or licenses. Graduates will go into fields which include recycling, hazardous waste cleanup, wastewater treatment, and pest control.