Press Releases

Water and Power Subcommittee to Hold Drought Hearing in Fresno

July 15, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Next week, the House Subcommittee on Water and Power will hold a field hearing on the federal government's response to the California drought. Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) and Valley Representatives Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced), George Radanovich (R-Mariposa), Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) requested this hearing last month to ensure the federal government is informed about the drought and its impact on the people who live and work in the Valley. Costa is a member of the Subcommittee and will attend the field hearing.

President Bush Signs Costa's Clean Diesel Legislation Into Law

July 11, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week, President George W. Bush signed into law legislation that allows the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the practice of funding clean diesel projects as part of environmental enforcement settlements. This bill was introduced by Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) in partnership with Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), who introduced the same version in the United States Senate.

"I am very happy with the President's signature on this important piece of legislation," said Costa.

Rep. Costa Announces $378,600 Grant for Sanger Unified School District

June 30, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $378,600 has been awarded to the Sanger Unified School District to help establish and expand elementary and secondary school counseling programs. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Education under their Elementary and Secondary School Counseling grant program. The funds will be used to create counseling services at Sanger Unified schools and will be designed and implemented along with the involvement of parents and students.

"This is great news for Sanger," said Costa.

Rep. Costa Announces $85,000 Grant For City of San Joaquin

June 30, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $85,000 has been awarded to the City of San Joaquin to provide technical assistance for a vocational training program which will expand and train the workforce for small businesses located in San Joaquin, California. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture under the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.

"This is great news for San Joaquin," said Costa.

Rep. Costa Announces $50,000 Grant For City of Parlier

June 30, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $50,000 has been awarded to the City of Parlier to provide technical assistance for a vocational training program which will expand and train the workforce for small businesses located in Parlier, California. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture under the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program.

"I am very happy to hear that Parlier is receiving federal funds to jumpstart their small businesses," said Costa.

Rep. Costa Announces $224,985 Grant For California State University, Bakersfield

June 30, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that a grant of $224,985 has been awarded to California State University, Bakersfield to prepare low-income, first-generation college students and students from groups underrepresented in graduate education, for doctoral study. These funds are being awarded through the United States Department of Education under the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. It is anticipated that the grant will be for a total of four years.

"This is great news for Cal State Bakersfield," said Costa.

Amtrak Reauthorization Passes House of Representatives

June 12, 2008

Press Release

Legislation Includes Funding for High-Speed Rail Development In America

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6003, the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, legislation to authorize appropriations for Amtrak for fiscal years 2009 to 2013. The bill also authorizes $1.75 billion in grants over the next five years to states and/or Amtrak to finance the construction and equipment for high-speed rail.

House Passes Bill To Designate Wilderness Areas in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park

June 10, 2008

Press Release

Legislation Names Wilderness Area After Former Congressman John Krebs

Rep. Costa Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month

May 19, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Jim Costa (D-Fresno) called on all residents of the San Joaquin Valley to join in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, which begins today. Costa released the following statement to celebrate and honor Jewish culture in America.

"When the first Jewish settlers came to this land over 350 years ago, they sought a new world to practice their faith freely and without persecution. Since then, Jews have made numerous contributions in technology, literature, entertainment, politics and medicine which add to the fabric of American life.

Rep. Costa Announces Opening of the Competitive Training Grant Program Application Period

May 19, 2008

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced that the application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate Competitive Training Grant Program (CTGP) opened today. These grants will provide approximately $27.2 million to address homeland security training needs to prevent, protect and respond to acts of terrorism and catastrophic events.

"Grants like this are vital to localities to train for potential attacks or tragic events," said Costa.