Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Duarte (CA-13) cosponsored the Farm to Market Road Improvement Act (H.R. 9531) to improve rural communities’ roads, bridges, and waterways. Congressman Valadao (CA-R) and Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-D) introduced this bill that sets aside 10 percent of the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program for farm-to-market road projects.

Heavy trucks move most of our groceries, which strains Valley roads. Our Valley economy and food availability depend on farm-to-market roads, and this funding will strengthen our local food supply and communities.

“This law will improve our Valley communities that Sacramento and Washington often overlook,” said Rep. Duarte. “Improving these roads will significantly reduce delays, costs, and grocery prices. I’m thrilled our Valley will finally get the federal attention and funding we deserve.”

Background:

• Trucks carry 83 percent of agricultural freight by tonnage, with many trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds each.
• Poor farm-to-market roads lead to delays and higher costs.
• The Act will support all of Congressman Duarte’s counties of Fresno, Merced, Madera, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus.