Congressman Jim Costa

Fighting For the Valley Economy

Fighting for Valley Water

Congressman Jim Costa has been an outspoken advocate for Valley water for over 30 years. 

            A  third-generation family farmer and lifelong San Joaquin Valley resident, he knows that water is the lifeblood of the Valley. With a fair share, our entire local economy benefits. When our water is diverted by misguided regulations and biased scientific evaluations, everyone in our area suffers the economic consequences.

The grandson of Portuguese immigrants, Costa served in the State Senate and Assembly before his election to Congress in 2004.  He has worked personally with every town and neighborhood in the district to make things better. 

Costa, who co-chairs the House Victims’ Rights Caucus, is also an advocate for Valley health and housing needs, Valley veterans and high-speed rail – a project that will significantly enhance the Valley’s job market.

But Jim’s emphasis is the Valley economy, centering on the fight for water. It always has been.

He is the Valley’s voice for increasing water supply and storage, drought-relief, groundwater management, improving flood control and providing for a reliable and clean supply of drinking water.

For example, he  authored and helped win statewide approval of four water bonds, raising over $2 billion to improve water systems and provide for safe, reliable drinking water. That includes Proposition 204 to help restore the Bay Delta and fund groundwater recharge and flood control projects and Proposition 13 that improved water quality, increased underground storage and repaired outdated water pipes and storage systems. 

            Costa announced recently that his efforts in Congress have helped the Valley get an increased allocation in addition to a supplemental 8-10%. Both projects provide new water that was not previously available and would not have happened without Costa’s constant pressure.

            “I am an optimist.  Our Valley continues to face a real crisis. But I believe we have turned a corner. Things will get better,” Costa says. “It is a beginning. But we must keep their feet to the fire. Our very survival is at stake.”

            The 20^th Congressional District is made up of portions of Fresno and Kern Counties and all of Kings County. Fresno County is the nation's number one agriculture producing county, Kern County ranks third and Kings County is ninth.

            Costa serves on the House Agriculture Committee, where he is a member of the Subcommittees on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry; and Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research.  On the House Natural Resources Committee Costa is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources and is a member of the Subcommittee on Water and Power. He is also a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee where he serves on the Subcommittees on the Middle East and South Asia; and Europe.  Costa is a co-founder of the Congressional Water Caucus and a co-founder of the Congressional Organ Donation Caucus.

           A product of Fresno County schools, Costa graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School. His Bachelor's Degree in Political Science is from California State University, Fresno.