Requests for more than $18 million in federal help to assist with economic growth primarily by developing infrastructure were made by San Joaquin County elected leaders during the One Voice lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
Manteca Councilwoman Debby Moorhead noted that no promises were made by representatives of various federal agencies the delegation met with but in the past few years such contacts have led to securing more than $2 million in federal help for Manteca alone. The biggest was an initial $1 million grant for Give Every Child a Chance – the free community-based tutoring service – that has been followed up with $300,000 federal grants in subsequent years.
“It (the One Voice trip) has been very effective for us,” Moorhead said.
She pointed out that even non-Manteca requests that may get funding - such as the request for $1 million to help install an instrument landing system at Stockton Metro Airport - will benefit Manteca by generating jobs from companies that are looking to locate employment centers at or near airports that allow increased access during inclement weather.
Moorhead serves as the Manteca representative on the airport commission.
Other past funding obtained through One Voice trips include help to purchase additional train set for the Altamont Commuter Express service used by Manteca residents. The lobbying trips are credited in the past decade with securing almost $57 million from the federal government for communities throughout the county.
Moorhead noted the One Voice was organized after local leaders were getting frustrated with unsuccessful efforts to obtain federal funds while many other areas – mostly back East and in larger metro areas – were receiving more tax dollars than were taken from their areas.
Manteca this year asked for $1 million to help close the Atherton Drive gap between Union Road and Airport Way. The city has already secured federal stimulus funds that are being matched with growth fees to complete the Atherton Drive segment between Wellington Avenue and South Main Street.
Manteca also made a pitch for $1 million to help complete preliminary engineering and start environmental documentation for the new Austin Road interchange on Highway 99.
Councilman Steve DeBrum also was part of the One Voice excursion.
Manteca Councilwoman Debby Moorhead noted that no promises were made by representatives of various federal agencies the delegation met with but in the past few years such contacts have led to securing more than $2 million in federal help for Manteca alone. The biggest was an initial $1 million grant for Give Every Child a Chance – the free community-based tutoring service – that has been followed up with $300,000 federal grants in subsequent years.
“It (the One Voice trip) has been very effective for us,” Moorhead said.
She pointed out that even non-Manteca requests that may get funding - such as the request for $1 million to help install an instrument landing system at Stockton Metro Airport - will benefit Manteca by generating jobs from companies that are looking to locate employment centers at or near airports that allow increased access during inclement weather.
Moorhead serves as the Manteca representative on the airport commission.
Other past funding obtained through One Voice trips include help to purchase additional train set for the Altamont Commuter Express service used by Manteca residents. The lobbying trips are credited in the past decade with securing almost $57 million from the federal government for communities throughout the county.
Moorhead noted the One Voice was organized after local leaders were getting frustrated with unsuccessful efforts to obtain federal funds while many other areas – mostly back East and in larger metro areas – were receiving more tax dollars than were taken from their areas.
Manteca this year asked for $1 million to help close the Atherton Drive gap between Union Road and Airport Way. The city has already secured federal stimulus funds that are being matched with growth fees to complete the Atherton Drive segment between Wellington Avenue and South Main Street.
Manteca also made a pitch for $1 million to help complete preliminary engineering and start environmental documentation for the new Austin Road interchange on Highway 99.
Councilman Steve DeBrum also was part of the One Voice excursion.
