Rural roads, like this one in California, would benefit from bipartisan federal legislation sponsored by Valley congressional members. (GV Wire File)
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Rural roads used by heavy trucks in agricultural areas need repair, and a bipartisan delegation of Central Valley congressmembers wants to ensure they get fixed.
Congressmember David Valadao, R-Kings County, introduced the “Farm to Market Road Improvement Act” to increase federal support to fix rural roads.
“The Central Valley plays a critical role in the security of our nation’s food supply,” Valadao said in a news release. “But after years of wear and tear from heavy trucks transporting the food that feeds the world through our roads, many are in desperate need of repair.”
The proposed legislation does not have a bill number yet. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Florida, Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno are co-sponsors.
Background information provided by Valadao said the bill would set aside 10% of the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program for qualifying roads — counties with at least $1 billion of agriculture production and $500,000 per square mile of production.
Fresno, Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties would qualify, Valadao said.
The legislation has the support of the Tulare County Association of Governments, Kings County Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, and Palm Beach County (Florida).
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