Assemblymember Parra Moves Valley Partnership Bill to Senate
California Political Desk
May 27, 2008
SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) announced her landmark legislation, AB 2342, which would place the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley in statute, has moved an important step forward, passing out of the State Assembly today. The bill now goes to the State Senate.
"The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley is a vital economic development tool for the Valley. The Partnership has been an invaluable source of Valley coordination," said Assemblymember Parra. "For example, all eight Valley counties successfully partnered to pursue through the Trade Corridors Improvement Fund. They sought funding for California Transportation Commission projects because it was the best policy for the region despite the fact that the projects would not directly serve some of the counties."
Assemblymember Parra initially introduced legislation three years ago to create The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and has worked with Governor Schwarzenegger to make the Partnership a reality. Assembly Bill 2342 maintains the Partnership's primary focus and work and would place the Partnership in statute to allow it to carry out the 10-year Strategic Action Proposal. The Partnership will sunset on December 31, 2008 without action.
The Partnership has existed for several years with numerous successes, including ascertaining $1 billion in funds for the improvement of Highway 99. The Partnership has also awarded $2.5 million in seed grant monies to 14 different organizations that will leverage additional dollars from other sources to begin the implementation of recommendations of the Partnership. The Partnership was also instrumental in helping the Valley attain five new Enterprise Zones, including: the City of Arvin, City of Delano, City of Fresno, County of Fresno, and Merced County.
AB 2342 is supported by a number of community leaders and organizations, including the Friant Water Authority, Kern County, Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Kings Community Action Organization, City of Bakersfield, City of Fresno, City of Hanford, and many others. For additional information on the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, visit www.sjvpartnership.org
"The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley is a vital economic development tool for the Valley. The Partnership has been an invaluable source of Valley coordination," said Assemblymember Parra. "For example, all eight Valley counties successfully partnered to pursue through the Trade Corridors Improvement Fund. They sought funding for California Transportation Commission projects because it was the best policy for the region despite the fact that the projects would not directly serve some of the counties."
Assemblymember Parra initially introduced legislation three years ago to create The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley and has worked with Governor Schwarzenegger to make the Partnership a reality. Assembly Bill 2342 maintains the Partnership's primary focus and work and would place the Partnership in statute to allow it to carry out the 10-year Strategic Action Proposal. The Partnership will sunset on December 31, 2008 without action.
The Partnership has existed for several years with numerous successes, including ascertaining $1 billion in funds for the improvement of Highway 99. The Partnership has also awarded $2.5 million in seed grant monies to 14 different organizations that will leverage additional dollars from other sources to begin the implementation of recommendations of the Partnership. The Partnership was also instrumental in helping the Valley attain five new Enterprise Zones, including: the City of Arvin, City of Delano, City of Fresno, County of Fresno, and Merced County.
AB 2342 is supported by a number of community leaders and organizations, including the Friant Water Authority, Kern County, Tulare County Economic Development Corporation, Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission, Kings Community Action Organization, City of Bakersfield, City of Fresno, City of Hanford, and many others. For additional information on the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley, visit www.sjvpartnership.org
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