[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE NATIONAL SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE ACT

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 28, 1996

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the National School 
Infrastructure Act. I recently conducted a survey of the more than 
1,000 public school buildings in New York City. I found seriously 
overcrowded and deteriorating schools. Unfortunately, the poor physical 
condition of schools is not New York's problem alone. A GAO report 
released in June showed that $112 billion nationwide was needed to 
bring our Nation's schools into decent condition. The GAO found that 
one-third of all schools across the country required extensive repair 
or replacement, Rural, suburban, and urban districts all face serious 
problems.
  The National School Infrastructure Act will provide interest 
subsidies over the next 4 years to help school districts pay for school 
repair and construction. It is modeled after the President's proposal. 
This is not an ongoing program but instead a one-time incentive to 
States and local communities to address the poor physical condition of 
our schools. The program is fully paid for by auctioning off a specific 
portion of the broadcast spectrum.
  Under by bill, the cost of local borrowing for school construction 
and rehabilitation would be cut by up to 50 percent, depending upon 
need. School districts with severe infrastructure needs and/or high 
concentrations of poverty would be eligible for funds.
  Large school districts would apply directly to the Department of 
Education for the interest rate subsidy. Smaller districts would apply 
through a designated State authority.
  The interest reduction is equivalent to subsidizing $1 out of every 
$4 in construction and renovation spending. The $5 billion made 
available by the legislation would result in an estimated $20 billion 
in State and local construction across the country, over the next 4 
years.
  I look forward to working with local, State, and Federal officials in 
the months ahead to further refine the legislation so that it can be 
enacted in the 105th Congress.
  We simply cannot ignore the poor physical condition of our schools 
any longer. Children cannot learn when their classroom walls are 
literally falling down. The Federal Government helps to build and 
maintain our Nation's roads. Now we must fulfill our obligation to our 
Nation's children and come to the aid of our schools.

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