Federal funding for Fresno projects to continue following injunction

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An executive order cutting grant funding to the city of Fresno was recently issued by the Trump administration, and local leaders took immediate legal action.

Fresno, along with several California jurisdictions, including the city of Eureka and Sacramento County, is fighting to halt the order.

Wednesday morning, local leaders said a preliminary injunction was granted on Tuesday, meaning the city does not have to comply with the executive order for now.

"The judge found that the executive branch in this situation can't undo what Congress did," said Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz.

Leaders say complying with the federal order would be detrimental to the community.

"Some of the requirements were to have Fresno police cooperate with the federal government in terms of immigration enforcement, and there was a vague requirement to eliminate anything that had to do with diversity, equity and inclusion," Janz said.

Grants at stake include more than $100 million for projects in the transportation department.

The long list of defendants includes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, among others.

Halting federal funding from those departments would impact local projects, like the expansion of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

"The airport expansion is really important, a regional gem that directly correlates to enhancing economic opportunity," said Fresno city councilmember Mike Karbassi.

Housing projects would also be in jeopardy, and the city would have to consider cutting funding from law enforcement and the fire department, moves they aren't planning to make.

"I am appreciative of the judge and the ruling, and we are confident that if it is appealed and if it moves up, they will side with local communities," Karbassi said.

The federal government has 30 days to appeal.

Action News reached out to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for comment and has not received a response.

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