YARTS bus in Yosemite National Park
Credit: YARTS

May 27, 2022 - FRESNO, CA - Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) announced his selection of fifteen Community Project Funding requests for the Fiscal Year 2023 budget bill that, if included, would provide $29.85 million to the counties of Fresno, Madera, and Merced to address homelessness, repair critical water and transportation infrastructure, and create good-paying jobs.

“My top priority in Congress is to deliver taxpayer dollars to the Valley that invest in and transform our communities,” said Costa. “These projects tackle real Valley issues and will make a significant impact on our quality of life -- from addressing homelessness and jobs to conserving water and improving our air quality. Every dollar counts and leads to positive change.” 

The projects submitted to the House Appropriations Committee to be considered for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget bill listed by amount:

• $4.4 million for the City of Fresno to improve Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s primary runway, which is used for daily commercial flights, transportation of goods, wildfire suppression, and homeland security.

• $4 million for the City of Fresno to address homelessness by immediately helping dozens of formerly homeless residents move out of motel shelters and into permanent affordable tiny homes.

• $4 million for the County of Fresno to revitalize streets, sidewalks, and roads in the disadvantaged community of Calwa. This will ensure all residents benefit from safer travel routes and improved sidewalk facilities that are ADA-compliant.

• $3.86 million for the Merced County Association of Governments to provide equitable and sustainable transportation to Yosemite National Park by converting the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) fleet to clean diesel buses.

• $3 million for the City of Atwater to improve access to clean drinking water, sanitation services, and water management, which will create opportunities for economic growth in the region by revitalizing water infrastructure in a rural, underserved community.

• $2 million for Fancher and Redbank Creek projects to increase water supply, improve regional flood protection, and enhance environmental protection in a disadvantaged region.

• $1.95 million for the County of Madera to improve and expand Highway 41. The project addresses safety and congestion concerns on the primary route between Fresno and Yosemite National Park. The project improves safety, reduces greenhouse gases, and eases traffic congestion.

• $1.35 million for the City of Gustine to improve internet access and bridge the digital divide by connecting low-income residents to affordable, reliable high-speed internet, including 5G access for businesses throughout the community.  

• $1.5 million for the Fresno Center to support and expand services for transportation, mental health, HIV prevention, and treatment for substance use disorders.   

• $1.5 million for Community Regional Medical Center to expand and enhance its microbiology lab, which would improve patient care services like COVID-19 testing and other essential healthcare laboratory work.

• $703,000 for Madera County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a Rapid DNA system, which will bolster law enforcement’s ability to quickly obtain accurate analysis, identify victims' remains, and relieve the backlog in crime laboratories.

• $500,000 for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission to train residents for firefighting and land conservation jobs with agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, Cal Fire, and Bureau of Reclamation.

• $485,000 for Reading and Beyond to revitalize and re-establish the California Bridge Academy in Fresno and Madera counties. The plan integrates employment and training services for minorities and low-income individuals.  

• $457,000 for Merced County Sheriff’s Office to purchase a Rapid DNA system, which will bolster law enforcement’s ability to quickly obtain accurate analysis, identify victims' remains, and relieve the backlog in crime laboratories.

• $150,000 for the Central California Veterans Home Support Foundation to help maintain the Fresno Veterans Home Memorial, a historical landmark that honors the service and sacrifice of local veterans who served our country.

Background 
Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funds for up to 15 projects in their district for the Fiscal Year 2023. Projects are r­estricted to a limited number of federal funding streams, and only state and local governments and eligible nonprofits are permitted to receive funding. The submission of the 15 projects does not guarantee funding. 

The Appropriations Committee will review applications over the next few months, make selections and then bring its budget package to the House for a full vote. The package containing the projects must then be passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President to be funded.

In compliance with House Rules and Committee requirements, Congressman Costa has certified that he and his immediate family have no financial interest in any of the projects that he has requested. Please find the financial disclosure letters for all projects here.

Click here to view the list of the Fiscal Year 2022 projects that received funding. 
Source: Congressman Jim Costa