USDA &
Recovery Act funding invests in Valley’s rural infrastructure
FRESNO
–
Congressman Jim Costa today delivered $244,000 in federal funding for the City
of San Joaquin to invest in local jobs and strengthen the city’s
infrastructure. Costa also broke ground on an expansion of the city’s Public
Works building which was made possible through today’s announcement. At the
event, Costa was joined by City of San Joaquin Mayor Amarpreet Dhaliwal and
USDA’s Rural Housing Service Administrator Tammye Trevino who traveled here
from Washington D.C.
“Our
smaller cities and rural areas are a critical part of our Valley’s economy,” said Costa. “That’s
why I fought for these funds and why I will continue to work to see that our
region receives our fair share of tax dollars. These projects will improve the
City of San Joaquin’s infrastructure and strengthen the local community.”
The
funding is broken down into three projects and was allocated through the USDA
Rural Development’s Community Facilities grant program. These grants are geared
to assisting in the development of essential community facilities in rural
areas and towns. In particular, the $162,690 Community Facilities grant to
expand the city’s Public Works building was funded through the Recovery Act.
USDA’s
Rural Housing Service Administrator Tammye Trevino highlighted the importance
of investing in rural infrastructure and the role the Recovery Act played in
making today’s announcement possible: "One of
the projects announced today is being funded through the Recovery Act, which
will not only improve the safety conditions of city employees but also create
construction jobs in this rural community.”
The
three projects are:
·
$162,690 to expand the Public Works
building to provide more office space and adequate restrooms with showers for
emergencies/safety. The project will also include remodeling the shop
section of the building to install a generator and auto lift. An auto lift
will allow mechanics to better work on city vehicles.
·
$52,500 will go to new equipment for the
Public Works Department including an animal control vehicle and a skid steer
loader. Updated equipment will allow animal control officers to increase their
pick-up efficiency, saving the city time and money.
·
$29,700 will go to a new roof for the
Veterans Memorial Hall. The roof is leaking and causing damage to the
newly remodeled building. The new roof will protect the building and extend its
useful life, providing space for community gatherings in the city.
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