[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE APOLLO THEATER PROVISION CONTAINED IN THE HIGHWAY CONFERENCE REPORT

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank all of my colleagues 
on the highway conference for including in the highway conference 
report a provision that would allow the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New 
York, to apply for historic tax credits, notwithstanding their 
remaining two EDA grants from the Economic Development Administration.
  As most of my colleagues know, the 1,500 seat Apollo Theater is truly 
``where stars are born and legends are made.'' A historic landmark 
building, the Apollo was responsible for launching the careers of 
artists including Sarah Vaughn, Elle Fitzgerald, James Brown, Stevie 
Wonder, Gladys Knight, Ray Charles and Luther Vandross, just to name a 
few. The Apollo is also an economic engine for the community with 
annual audiences of over 400,000 which generates almost $100 million 
annually to the local economy.
  The 1914 Apollo building had begun to decay over the years and in the 
year 2000 the foundation began a capital campaign to make needed 
repairs and upgrades. The foundation has raised over $35 million from 
the public and private sectors to date.
  The language included in the conference report on H.R. 3, will allow 
the Apollo Theater to capture other fundraising venues, including 
historic tax credits, notwithstanding the EDA grants numbered 01-01-
07308 and 01-01-07552. The language would release EDA from the 
perimeters of the two grants and thus allow the Apollo to complete the 
renovation.
  Again, I thank my colleagues for their consideration and approval of 
this provision and I yield the floor.

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