Rep. Costa Secures Passage of $11.2 Million in Federal Funding for San Joaquin Valley Communities

FRESNO, Calif. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) announced the passage of Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) funding legislation, which includes nine Community Project Funding awards totaling more than $11.2 million, and passage of the Interior and Environment (I&E) funding legislation which includes two Community Project Funding awards totaling over $2 million for water projects for the San Joaquin Valley. These awards follow four previously approved projects totaling $6.5 million, bringing the total FY2026 project funding for California’s 21st District to $19.8 million.

The funding will support critical investments in transportation infrastructure, housing, food security, workforce development, clean energy, water infrastructure, and economic growth across the region.

"For too long, families in the San Joaquin Valley have faced aging infrastructure, food insecurity, and limited access to housing and reliable transportation," said Rep. Costa. "This funding directly responds to those challenges by investing in safer roads, cleaner air, expanded food access, workforce training, affordable housing, and critical water infrastructure. Together, these projects will create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and ensure our communities have the resources they need not just to get by, but to move forward."
 

COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING AWARDS — FY 2026 

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

• $3.15 Million - Fresno Airport Improvement Act
  Federal funding would enable the City of Fresno to plan and design for the major expansion of Fresno Yosemite International Airport. As the region experiences increased demand for air travel, this project focuses on upgrading terminal infrastructure, improving passenger experience, and increasing operational capacity.
   
• $1 Million - Central California Food Bank Volunteer Center Expansion
  In partnership with the County of Fresno, the Central California Food Bank is constructing a 23,000-square-foot Volunteer Center to expand its hunger relief efforts across the Central Valley. Funding for this project would enhance volunteer capacity, provide job training for individuals facing barriers to employment, and increase access to healthy food through a new USDA Protein Repack Room.
   
• $2 Million - San Joaquin River Parkway Project 
  Federal funds would enable the City of Fresno to extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail by approximately 2.4 miles, expanding public access to 500 acres of open space along the San Joaquin River. This project would support multiple ADA-accessible entry points and recreational activities such as school tours, nature walks, and paddle trips, while preserving the future of the San Joaquin River parkway.
   
• $2 Million - Reedley College Ag Innovation Center
  Federal funding would support the construction of the AgTEC Innovation Center at Reedley College, a hub for advancing agricultural technology. The center would provide space for ag-tech startups, offer certifications and hands-on training for farmworkers, while promoting innovation to help build a more sustainable food system in the Central Valley. 
   
• $1.2 Million - Salt and Light Neighborhood Village Phase II
  The County of Tulare, in partnership with Salt+Light Works is building a Social Enterprise Hub at the Neighborhood Village, a 53-unit permanent supportive housing community in Goshen, California. Funding for this project would support expanding the Hub to include a grocery store, workforce development, and employment programs that empower residents in surrounding communities.
   
• $850,000 - Clean Air Mobility Network Fresno Metro Black Chamber/City of Fresno
  Federal funding would support a partnership between the City of Fresno and the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce to expand clean transportation access in various parts of the community. The project includes building EV charging infrastructure, launching a fleet of affordable electric bikes and scooters, and offering community-based education on clean mobility.
   
• $500,000 - Exeter Street Improvement
  Funding for this project would revitalize Firebaugh Avenue from West Belmont Avenue to East State Route 65 in the City of Exeter. Revitalizing this one-mile section of arterial street would connect three major north-south corridors and improve the traffic flow of agricultural goods, while reducing congestion and emissions. This project also allows for rehabilitation and ensures ADA compliance for enhanced accessibility and safety.
   
• $250,000 - Fresno Area Business Development Incubator Project  
  This funding would enable the City of Fresno, in partnership with the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, to establish a full-service business development incubator in a formerly vacant facility in Downtown Fresno. This project would provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with critical resources, including technical assistance, financial literacy training, and access to capital to help grow their businesses.
   
• $250,000 - Visalia Riggin Ave Widening
  As a major route serving the City of Visalia’s Industrial Park, this federal funding would improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and benefit thousands of workers who rely on Riggin Avenue for their daily commute. Specifically, it would expand the roadway from an undivided two-lane road to a four-lane divided corridor with a median, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, street lighting, and new traffic signals.

INTERIOR AND ENVIRONMENT

• $1,092,000 - Woodlake Storm Drain Enhancement Project
  Federal funding would enable the City of Woodlake to install approximately 1,350 feet of 48-inch stormwater pipeline, connecting to the existing system to help prevent future flooding. The project is critical for protecting the community’s northwest quadrant, which was heavily impacted by flooding during the 2023 Atmospheric River storms.
• $1,092,000 - Dinuba Water Tower Replacement Project
  The City of Dinuba is replacing its outdated 70-year-old water tower with a new 500,000-gallon steel ground-mounted water tank. Funding for this project would improve water pressure, enhance fire protection, and ensure reliable water service for decades to come.

To learn about additional federal funding Rep. Costa secured for FY2026, click here.