[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 109 (Wednesday, August 5, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1551-E1552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, AND JUDICIARY, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 4, 1998

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4276) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 
     State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purposes:

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of full funding for 
the Economic Development Agency (EDA).
  Despite the country's roaring economy, cities and towns in my rural 
district have suffered huge job losses over the last year, and the EDA 
has provided critical support to these economically distressed 
communities.
  The EDA has funded regional economic planning to maximize job 
creation and development, provided capital for small businesses, and 
funded utilities and road construction to

[[Page E1552]]

create industrial parks in some of the poorest communities in my 
district.
  Most recently the EDA has approved funding to plan the renovation of 
the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield, MA.
  The Colonial Theater recently received national accolades when the 
First Lady visited this historic theater during her save America's 
treasures tour.
  It is truly an American treasure.
  With the help of the EDA, a renovated Colonial Theater will serve as 
a catalyst to generate further economic growth and to revitalize 
downtown Pittsfield.
  EDA programs have helped create new jobs and economic growth not just 
in my district, but throughout the country.
  We should continue our solid support for this successful agency that 
has proved to be one of the best hopes for economic renewal in 
struggling communities.

                          ____________________