[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 73 (Thursday, June 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT

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                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2002

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 
2941, the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act.
  I would like to thank my colleagues Mr. Miller from California and 
Ms. Maloney from New York along with the Financial Services Committee 
for their hard work on this issue.
  This important legislation would improve local communities by 
generating 550,000 additional jobs and up to $2,400,000,000 in new tax 
revenues for cities and towns. More specifically, H.R. 2941 would give 
cities new financing options for Brownfields redevelopment.
  This bill would create a pilot program where the Secretary of Housing 
and Urban Development would develop and maintain a common loan pool. 
There are an estimated 600,000 Brownfields in America, each a missed 
opportunity for development.
  By de-linking HUD's Brownfield Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) 
from its Section 108 loan program, cities would be given added 
flexibility in obtaining BEDI grants and would not be forced to use 
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds as collateral.
  CDBG are especially helpful in providing important community services 
such as the Meals on Wheels or child care programs. As the founder and 
Co-Chair of the Congressional Children's Caucus, I am especially 
supportive of the fact that CDBG funds will not be compromised.
  Moreover, H.R. 2941 would help preserve our existing green spaces. 
The positive environmental impact of this legislation is significant.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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