Rep. Jim Costa announced details about $2 million in federal funding to enhance access to the San Joaquin River. Photo via Rep. Costa

Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi and Rep. Jim Costa announced Tuesday that $2 million in federal funding has been secured to support improvements along the San Joaquin River.

The funding, included in the federal budget, will support planning and development for potential projects including River West Fresno, Camp Pashayan improvements and additional riverfront amenities and public access enhancements.

“The San Joaquin River is one of our region’s greatest natural assets,” said Council President Karbassi. “Thanks to Congressman Costa’s leadership, we can continue building a riverfront that serves families, protects wildlife, and creates new opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors.”

Expanding recreation

The funding is expected to extend the Lewis S. Eaton Trail by approximately 2.4 miles, expanding public access to 500 acres of open space along the San Joaquin River, with multiple ADA-accessible entry points.

Costa authored the legislation creating the San Joaquin River Conservancy in 1992, which now provides access to 5,900 acres within the 22-mile stretch of river between Friant Dam and Highway 99. The conservancy is a state agency responsible for developing the San Joaquin River Parkway, a planned recreation and conservation corridor.

Camp Pashayan, one of the beneficiaries of the funding, is a 31-acre property near Highway 99 that provides fishing, canoeing and wildlife observation opportunities. The site has been part of ongoing planning efforts to enhance public access along the western reaches of the river parkway.

Part of broader investment

The San Joaquin River funding is part of $11.2 million in federal funding Costa secured for San Joaquin Valley communities in the recently passed federal budget. Other projects receiving funding include $2 million for the Reedley College Ag Innovation Center, $1.2 million for Salt and Light Neighborhood Village Phase II in Tulare County and more than $1 million each for water infrastructure projects in Woodlake and Dinuba.

Tuesday’s announcement at Spano Park also included regional partners Kari Daniska, San Joaquin River Conservancy executive officer; Kacey Auston, conservancy board president; and Julie Vance, California Department of Fish & Wildlife regional manager.