Media

As we work our way out of the recession, we must make sure our rural areas are not left behind

Rep. Costa Announces Retroactive Pay Deadline For Valley Soldiers Affected By Stop Loss

Fresno, CA - Congressman Jim Costa today announced that Valley service members whose service was extended under stop loss orders in Iraq and Afghanistan have until December 3rd, 2010 to apply for retroactive pay. Troops eligible for retroactive pay will receive $500 a month for each month their service was extended. The Defense Department estimates that while 145,400 troops are eligible, only 58,000 claims have been paid out so far.

Recovery Act funds fill officer vacancies, prevent department layoffs caused by local budget cuts

Bakersfield, CA – Congressman Jim Costa today announced over $7,384,635 for the Kern County Sheriff's Department to retain officers or hire new recruits to fill open positions. The grant, made available through the Recovery Act, was released through the US Department of Justice COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) and will fund 27 full-time local officer positions.

Costa: My message from this April still stands. If Miller thinks he can destroy the entire Valley way of life to suit his own ends, he'll get the fight of a lifetime.

Costa fought to secure funding for Valley specialty crops in 2008 Farm Bill

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa today announced $17,281,158 in federal funding to benefit Valley specialty crop growers. The funding, made available through the Farm Bill's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, was awarded to 64 projects across California. The Valley is a leading producer of specialty crops which include tree nuts, fruits, dried fruits, and vegetables.

New UC Merced – UC Davis program will start bringing medical students to train in the Valley

Funds allow city and county to better address effects of abandoned and foreclosed homes

Fresno, CA – Congressman Jim Costa today announced over $6 million in federal funds to help the city and county of Fresno further combat the effects of abandoned and foreclosed homes. The funds, made available through the Housing Department's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), allow local governments to acquire, rehabilitate and resell homes that have been vacated or are in foreclosure.

Wastewater from Sacremento facilities is degrading the Delta, costing Valley water and jobs