Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced that orchardists and nursery tree growers can begin applying for benefits under the Tree Assistance Program, which was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. Signup begins Monday, May 10, 2010, at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.
Costa: Changes make health care benefits more accessible for Valley vets
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced changes to the VA that will make it easier and faster for veterans to apply for their health care benefits. These improvements are a result of the Department of Veterans Affairs updating its online Form 10-10EZ, "Application for Health Benefits."
"I am a strong supporter of California's high-speed rail project and commend the California High-Speed Rail Authority's decision to hire Roelof van Ark as its new CEO. Mr. van Ark brings a wealth of experience to the project, and his proven track record demonstrates the seriousness with which the Authority is taking its mission to build a world-class high-speed train for California.
Interior and Commerce Departments To Integrate Bay Delta Biological Opinions
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) responded today to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke's announcement of an interagency plan to revise and integrate two biological opinions issued under the Endangered Species Act. Integrating the biological opinions opens the door to modifying the one-sided scientific rulings limiting the flow of water to the Valley.
WASHINGTON,D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced that the InteriorDepartment will be increasing water allocations from the federal CentralValleyProject to 40 percent for agricultural service contractors south of the Delta.Interior's latest announcement is another increase from the Department'sinitial announcement of 5 percent on February 26.
Valley farmers, ranchers and dairymen selected to testify
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and the House Agriculture Committee today announced the witnesses for the upcoming field hearing in Fresno to discuss U.S. agriculture policy in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill. The hearing will take place on May 3rd at the Fresno City Hall Council Chambers.
Agriculture Committee to hear from CA farmers, ranchers and industry leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced that the House Agriculture Committee will hold a field hearing in Fresno to discuss U.S. agriculture policy in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill. The hearing will take place on May 3rd at the Fresno City Hall Council Chambers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) today sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Locke, calling on the Department to exercise greater flexibility in implementing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion that is diverting water that could be flowing to the Valley into the Pacific Ocean.
Video of Costa's remarks can be seen here . Excerpts from Costa's statement (as prepared) are below: