Press Releases

Washington, DC- Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded more than $4.5 Million to Fresno County and the City of Hanford. The funding was made available through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Grant, and the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) programs. In March, Costa joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to urge that the U.S. House Appropriations Committee maintain funding for CDBG in 2013.

Washington, DC- Rep. Jim Costa supported extending tax cuts for Valley families, businesses, and farmers who without action will see their taxes increase on January 1st. This legislation will extend the current tax rates another year.

Washington, DC- Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the City of Delano has been awarded a $2.8 million loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build a new multipurpose communitycenter. The new 13,000 square foot facility will replace the current community center that is over 40 years old and include a gym, basketball courts, and stage.

Washington, DC- Rep. Jim Costa applauded Governor Brown and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announcement today that laid out a path forward for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). In their announcement, state and federal officials stressed that the status quo is unsustainable for both the health of the Bay Delta and the economies of the California communities that rely on water from state and federal projects.

Washington, DC- U.S.Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the city of Fresno will receive $2.3 million and Kings County will receive more than $900,000 to make necessary improvements to their public transit systems. The funds were awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's State of Good Repair Program, which aims to maintain and improve the nation's bus and rail systems. Fresno Area Express (FAX) plans to use the funds for the purchase of 6 new buses that will accommodate additional passengers and reduce emissions.

FRESNO- Congressman Jim Costa, Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, and California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer today announced that the Federal Transit Administration has selected Fresno to receive a $2.45 million Bus Livability Grant aimed at improving the connection between downtown Fresno and the City's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Washington, DC- Rep. Jim Costa announced today that the California Veterans Assistance Foundation has been awarded $175,000 to help promote housing stability among low income veterans in Bakersfield and Kern County. The funds were awarded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The California Veterans Assistance Foundation will use the funds to assist 70 households.

Washington, DC- Reps. Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza called on state and federal officials to show leadership and find a workable solution to complete the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). In light of anticipated announcements about the project in the coming weeks, Costa and Cardoza urged officials to find a balance between improving the water supply and restoring the Delta ecosystem. Costa and Cardoza cautioned that without their active leadership and engagement, completion of the BDCP may become unviable.