Valley still scores less federal cash

Modesto Bee
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
By Michael Doyle

WASHINGTON — The San Joaquin Valley still lags behind the rest of the country when it comes to getting a piece of the federal pie, spending reports show.

Thanks largely to the big stimulus package, federal spending in the valley increased by about 6 percent between fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2009. Nationwide, federal domestic spending increased 16 percent.

"The valley is growing at a much faster rate than other areas, but the federal funding is not reflecting that," John Lehn, president of the Kings County Economic Development Corp., said Tuesday.

The news is consistent with past reports, despite leaders stepping up efforts to bring the valley more money, said David Hosley, president of the Modesto-based Great Valley Center.

"I think we are getting better at asking," Hosley said. But he acknowledged that valley applications for large foundation funding are not as competitive as those from metropolitan regions.

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