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Valley CAN Charts Actions for Remainder of 2005
Organization Approves $35,000 Grant to CSU-Fresno Based Lab
(Coalinga, Calif—June 23, 2005) – Valley CAN (Clean Air Now), a non-profit organization committed to promoting clean air values throughout the San Joaquin Valley, held its mid-year board meeting Thursday, June 9, at Harris Ranch. Board members voted on numerous issues, setting a course of action for the remainder of the year.
“Valley CAN already has much to be proud of, and I have no doubt that we will carry this momentum into the latter half of 2005,” said Paul Betancourt, Valley CAN vice president. “Valley CAN is continuing to support a wide array of programs that ultimately improve air quality in the San Joaquin Valley. We understand that it is our responsibility, as business leaders, to set a positive example for community members to improve our air quality.”
Since 2002, Valley CAN’s grant program has funded more than $700,000 to a variety of businesses, associations and educational institutions. At Thursday’s meeting, Board members approved a $35,000 grant application submitted by the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT), an independent testing laboratory based at California State University, Fresno. Valley CAN funding is earmarked for the CIT’s Diesel Pumping Efficiency Program (DPEP), which will improve pump efficiency on diesel irrigation pumps by providing financial assistance for testing and repair of diesel irrigation pumping plants throughout the Valley.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding from Valley CAN and we are excited about the impact our DPEP will have on Valley air quality,” said John Weddington, Pump Test and Repair Manager. “I am confident that this funding, will lead to great results for the program.”
Valley CAN also began the early planning stages for its revamped Tune In & Tune Up (TITU) car emissions repair program. The 2005 program will be done in partnership with the California State and Consumer Services Agency’s “Breathe Easier” campaign, the state’s vehicle retirement program overseen by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). This partnership will provide TITU attendants with multiple options as they look to either repair or retire their polluting vehicles. These events will take place in multiple cities throughout San Joaquin Valley.
Valley CAN is committed to supporting programs that lead to tangible changes in the immediate future. “We know there is much work left to do, but we are making a difference,” said Betancourt. “If you are searching for pilot funding to launch a clean air program, I strongly encourage you to contact Valley CAN and apply for a grant.”
For more information about Valley CAN and to view the grant application please visit www.valley-can.org.
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