The House of Representatives is reviewing a new bill that would bring millions in funding to Fresno State University and drive economic growth in the Central Valley.

The bill, University Investments in Low-Income Districts (BUILD) Act, aims to channel billions into regional public universities — bolstering struggling communities and rural America.

“Regional public universities like Fresno State spur economic and community development in distressed communities along the Central Valley,” said Rep Jim Costa (D-Fresno). “For far too long, these institutions have been left behind.”

Congressman Costa introduced the bill alongside Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) in a bipartisan effort to prompt economic growth in distressed regions.

The BUILD Act identified regional public universities (RPUs) as economic engines that often lack the federal support given to large research institutions. Additionally, these institutions often enroll disadvantaged students — first-generation, students of color, rural students, adult learners, and veterans — while maintaining reasonable costs.

The bill would close that gap by creating a special designation for RPUs located in economically distressed communities, making them eligible for major new federal funding.

“(RPUs) are often the heartbeat of rural communities, acting as economic anchors that raise the standard of living and lead to stronger economies,” said Congressman Westerman. ” I am proud to be a cosponsor of this bill that champions both education and rural communities in a bipartisan manner.”

Money Will Revitalize Communities and Education

The legislation could authorize billions in funding and greatly benefit RPUs, which educate 70% of all students attending four-year public institutions each year

The federal government would provide planning grants to design community-driven strategies, followed by implementation grants of $25-50 million over five years.

Grants would support projects including expanding health care, boosting small businesses, revitalizing communities, modernizing broadband networks, and strengthening the workforce.

The funding will aid in the building of accessible clinics and training community members to become health-care professionals. Additionally, grants will go towards launching apprenticeships, creating industry partnerships, and expanding job training opportunities.

Other projects include investing in municipal broadband networks and digital infrastructure and supporting entrepreneurs and local startups.

These funds will filter through the community to renovate or construct housing, libraries, laboratories, museums, theaters, and cultural spaces.

BUILD Would Bring Funding to Fresno

The BUILD Act would authorize up to $1.7 billion per year for five years and support 174 universities across the nation, including Fresno State.

“Fresno State is pivotal to the economy and society of Central California, as we educate a majority of the region’s economic and social leaders,” Fresno State’s president, Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval said. “The University is perfectly positioned to lead the region in fomenting economic growth through applied research.”

The legislation would empower the university to further infuse “dynamic economic energy” into the Valley, which produces 24% of the nation’s food, according to Jiménez-Sandoval.

“With additional federal support, Fresno State, with its focus on applied research emphasizing local and regional needs, could play a decisive role in providing the type of small business incubation that could dramatically fuel job growth and economic development in our community,” said Blake Zante, the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute’s executive director.