[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TRIBUTE TO CADA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. VIC FAZIO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. FAZIO of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note a 
community achievement which gives me a great sense of personal 
satisfaction. Twenty years ago, while I was a member of the California 
State legislature, many of us in the Sacramento area were concerned 
about what was happening to the downtown area. As was the case with 
many cities, areas of hardship and urban decay existed, and the 42 
square blocks that make up the Capitol Area were in serious decline.
  I sponsored legislation to allow the State of California and the city 
of Sacramento to create a capitol area development authority [CADA], a 
new independent joint powers agency. CADA was to serve as the primary 
entity to implement the residential and commercial components of the 
state's Capitol Area Plan. This was a unique concept that has since 
served as a model of civic responsibility.
  CADA has managed to dramatically improve the downtown area in its 20 
years of existence. The agency has been successful at providing 
stability and promoting positive change within the area where it 
invests and partners with private sectors. Right now, CADA is expecting 
to close deals that will bring 128 new housing units into the district. 
There are currently two building sites for which CADA already has pre-
development plans. While all this activity goes forward, CADA's basic 
task of managing the apartments, parking, and retail/commercial space 
it leases from the State continues. CADA maintains buildings, serves 
tenants, and makes 176 units of low-income housing available all 
without a subsidy by any governmental agency.
  This concept of an independent, self-sustaining public agency no 
doubt contributes to CADA's success. CADA has been adept at performing 
at a pace to fit the market and the needs of its parent entities, which 
has assured its vivid survival for these past 20 years. The result has 
been the successful rekindling of a community that is safe and 
economically sound.
  It is therefore with great pride and satisfaction that I extend 
hearty congratulations to the city of Sacramento, the State of 
California, and the board of directors and staff on the capitol area 
development authority for the superb job of revitalizing the Capitol 
Area, and for improving the quality of life for the many residents of 
Sacramento who live there.

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