[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10375-H10384]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2007
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill H.R. 3246 to amend title 40, United States Code, to provide a
comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure
development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the
Nation, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3246
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Regional Economic and
Infrastructure Development Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) certain regions of the Nation, including Appalachia,
the Mississippi Delta Region, the Northern Great Plains
Region, the Southeast Crescent Region, the Southwest Border
Region, the Northern Border Region, and rural Alaska, have
suffered from chronic distress far above the national
average;
(2) an economically distressed region can suffer
unemployment and poverty at a rate that is 150 percent of the
national average; and
(3) regional commissions are unique Federal-State
partnerships that can provide targeted resources to alleviate
pervasive economic distress.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to provide a comprehensive regional approach to
economic and infrastructure development in the most severely
economically distressed regions in the Nation; and
(2) to ensure that the most severely economically
distressed regions in the Nation have the necessary tools to
develop the basic building blocks for economic development,
such as transportation and basic public infrastructure, job
skills training, and business development.
SEC. 3. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT.
(a) In General.--Title 40, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subtitle V as subtitle VI; and
(2) by inserting after subtitle IV the following:
``Subtitle V--Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development
``Chapter Sec.
``151. GENERAL PROVISIONS....................................15101 ....
``153. REGIONAL COMMISSIONS..................................15301 ....
``155. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE..................................15501 ....
``157. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS..............................15701....
``CHAPTER 151--GENERAL PROVISIONS
``Sec.
``15101. Definitions.
``Sec. 15101. Definitions
``In this subtitle, the following definitions apply:
``(1) Commission.--The term `Commission' means a Commission
established under section 15301.
``(2) Local development district.--The term `local
development district' means an entity that--
``(A)(i) is an economic development district that is--
``(I) in existence on the date of enactment of this
chapter; and
``(II) located in the region; or
``(ii) if an entity described in clause (i) does not
exist--
``(I) is organized and operated in a manner that ensures
broad-based community participation and an effective
opportunity for local officials, community leaders, and the
public to contribute to the development and implementation of
programs in the region;
``(II) is governed by a policy board with at least a simple
majority of members consisting of--
``(aa) elected officials; or
``(bb) designees or employees of a general purpose unit of
local government that have been appointed to represent the
unit of local government; and
``(III) is certified by the Governor or appropriate State
officer as having a charter or authority that includes the
economic development of counties, portions of counties, or
other political subdivisions within the region; and
``(B) has not, as certified by the Federal Cochairperson--
``(i) inappropriately used Federal grant funds from any
Federal source; or
``(ii) appointed an officer who, during the period in which
another entity inappropriately used Federal grant funds from
any Federal source, was an officer of the other entity.
``(3) Federal grant program.--The term `Federal grant
program' means a Federal grant program to provide assistance
in carrying out economic and community development
activities.
``(4) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
``(5) Nonprofit entity.--The term `nonprofit entity' means
any entity with tax-exempt or nonprofit status, as defined by
the Internal Revenue Service, that has been formed for the
purpose of economic development.
``(6) Region.--The term `region' means the area covered by
a Commission as described in subchapter II of chapter 157.
``CHAPTER 153--REGIONAL COMMISSIONS
``Sec.
``15301. Establishment, membership, and employees.
``15302. Decisions.
``15303. Functions.
``15304. Administrative powers and expenses.
``15305. Meetings.
``15306. Personal financial interests.
``15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains Regional
Commission.
``15308. Tribal participation.
``15309. Annual report.
``Sec. 15301. Establishment, membership, and employees
``(a) Establishment.--There are established the following
regional Commissions:
``(1) The Delta Regional Commission.
``(2) The Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
``(3) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
``(4) The Southwest Border Regional Commission.
``(5) The Northern Border Regional Commission.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) Federal and state members.--Each Commission shall be
composed of the following members:
``(A) A Federal Cochairperson, to be appointed by the
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
``(B) The Governor of each participating State in the
region of the Commission.
``(2) Alternate members.--
``(A) Alternate federal cochairperson.--The President shall
appoint an alternate Federal Cochairperson for each
Commission. The alternate Federal Cochairperson, when not
actively serving as an alternate for the Federal
Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are
delegated by the Federal Cochairperson.
``(B) State alternates.--The State member of a
participating State may have a single alternate, who shall be
appointed by the Governor of the State from among the members
of the Governor's cabinet or personal staff.
``(C) Voting.--An alternate member shall vote in the case
of the absence, death, disability, removal, or resignation of
the Federal or State member for which the alternate member is
an alternate.
``(3) Cochairpersons.--A Commission shall be headed by--
``(A) the Federal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a
liaison between the Federal Government and the Commission;
and
``(B) a State Cochairperson, who shall be a Governor of a
participating State in the region and shall be elected by the
State members for a term of not less than 1 year.
``(4) Consecutive terms.--A State member may not be elected
to serve as State Cochairperson for more than 2 consecutive
terms.
``(c) Compensation.--
``(1) Federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal Cochairperson
shall be compensated by the Federal Government at level III
of the Executive Schedule as set out in section 5314 of title
5.
``(2) Alternate federal cochairpersons.--Each Federal
Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal
Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in
section 5316 of title 5.
``(3) State members and alternates.--Each State member and
alternate shall be compensated by the State that they
represent at the rate established by the laws of that State.
``(d) Executive Director and Staff.--
``(1) In general.--A Commission shall appoint and fix the
compensation of an executive director and such other
personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to carry
out its duties. Compensation under this paragraph may not
exceed the maximum rate of basic pay established for the
Senior Executive Service under section 5382 of title 5,
including any applicable locality-based comparability payment
that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of that
title.
``(2) Executive director.--The executive director shall be
responsible for carrying out the administrative duties of the
Commission, directing the Commission staff, and such other
duties as the Commission may assign.
``(e) No Federal Employee Status.--No member, alternate,
officer, or employee of a Commission (other than the Federal
Cochairperson, the alternate Federal Cochairperson, staff of
the Federal Cochairperson, and any Federal employee detailed
to the Commission) shall be considered to be a Federal
employee for any purpose.
[[Page H10376]]
``Sec. 15302. Decisions
``(a) Requirements for Approval.--Except as provided in
section 15304(c)(3), decisions by the Commission shall
require the affirmative vote of the Federal Cochairperson and
a majority of the State members (exclusive of members
representing States delinquent under section 15304(c)(3)(C)).
``(b) Consultation.--In matters coming before the
Commission, the Federal Cochairperson shall, to the extent
practicable, consult with the Federal departments and
agencies having an interest in the subject matter.
``(c) Quorums.--A Commission shall determine what
constitutes a quorum for Commission meetings; except that--
``(1) any quorum shall include the Federal Cochairperson or
the alternate Federal Cochairperson; and
``(2) a State alternate member shall not be counted toward
the establishment of a quorum.
``(d) Projects and Grant Proposals.--The approval of
project and grant proposals shall be a responsibility of each
Commission and shall be carried out in accordance with
section 15503.
``Sec. 15303. Functions
``A Commission shall--
``(1) assess the needs and assets of its region based on
available research, demonstration projects, investigations,
assessments, and evaluations of the region prepared by
Federal, State, and local agencies, universities, local
development districts, and other nonprofit groups;
``(2) develop, on a continuing basis, comprehensive and
coordinated economic and infrastructure development
strategies to establish priorities and approve grants for the
economic development of its region, giving due consideration
to other Federal, State, and local planning and development
activities in the region;
``(3) not later than one year after the date of enactment
of this section, and after taking into account State plans
developed under section 15502, establish priorities in an
economic and infrastructure development plan for its region,
including 5-year regional outcome targets;
``(4)(A) enhance the capacity of, and provide support for,
local development districts in its region; or
``(B) if no local development district exists in an area in
a participating State in the region, foster the creation of a
local development district;
``(5) encourage private investment in industrial,
commercial, and other economic development projects in its
region;
``(6) cooperate with and assist State governments with the
preparation of economic and infrastructure development plans
and programs for participating States;
``(7) formulate and recommend to the Governors and
legislatures of States that participate in the Commission
forms of interstate cooperation and, where appropriate,
international cooperation; and
``(8) work with State and local agencies in developing
appropriate model legislation to enhance local and regional
economic development.
``Sec. 15304. Administrative powers and expenses
``(a) Powers.--In carrying out its duties under this
subtitle, a Commission may--
``(1) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and
places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, and print
or otherwise reproduce and distribute a description of the
proceedings and reports on actions by the Commission as the
Commission considers appropriate;
``(2) authorize, through the Federal or State Cochairperson
or any other member of the Commission designated by the
Commission, the administration of oaths if the Commission
determines that testimony should be taken or evidence
received under oath;
``(3) request from any Federal, State, or local agency such
information as may be available to or procurable by the
agency that may be of use to the Commission in carrying out
the duties of the Commission;
``(4) adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws and rules governing
the conduct of business and the performance of duties by the
Commission;
``(5) request the head of any Federal agency, State agency,
or local government to detail to the Commission such
personnel as the Commission requires to carry out its duties,
each such detail to be without loss of seniority, pay, or
other employee status;
``(6) provide for coverage of Commission employees in a
suitable retirement and employee benefit system by making
arrangements or entering into contracts with any
participating State government or otherwise providing
retirement and other employee coverage;
``(7) accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations or
services or real, personal, tangible, or intangible property;
``(8) enter into and perform such contracts, cooperative
agreements, or other transactions as are necessary to carry
out Commission duties, including any contracts or cooperative
agreements with a department, agency, or instrumentality of
the United States, a State (including a political
subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of the State), or a
person, firm, association, or corporation; and
``(9) maintain a government relations office in the
District of Columbia and establish and maintain a central
office at such location in its region as the Commission may
select.
``(b) Federal Agency Cooperation.--A Federal agency shall--
``(1) cooperate with a Commission; and
``(2) provide, to the extent practicable, on request of the
Federal Cochairperson, appropriate assistance in carrying out
this subtitle, in accordance with applicable Federal laws
(including regulations).
``(c) Administrative Expenses.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the
administrative expenses of a Commission shall be paid--
``(A) by the Federal Government, in an amount equal to 50
percent of the administrative expenses of the Commission; and
``(B) by the States participating in the Commission, in an
amount equal to 50 percent of the administrative expenses.
``(2) Expenses of the federal cochairperson.--All expenses
of the Federal Cochairperson, including expenses of the
alternate and staff of the Federal Cochairperson, shall be
paid by the Federal Government.
``(3) State share.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the share
of administrative expenses of a Commission to be paid by each
State of the Commission shall be determined by a unanimous
vote of the State members of the Commission.
``(B) No federal participation.--The Federal Cochairperson
shall not participate or vote in any decision under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Delinquent states.--During any period in which a
State is more than 1 year delinquent in payment of the
State's share of administrative expenses of the Commission
under this subsection--
``(i) no assistance under this subtitle shall be provided
to the State (including assistance to a political subdivision
or a resident of the State) for any project not approved as
of the date of the commencement of the delinquency; and
``(ii) no member of the Commission from the State shall
participate or vote in any action by the Commission.
``(4) Effect on assistance.--A State's share of
administrative expenses of a Commission under this subsection
shall not be taken into consideration when determining the
amount of assistance provided to the State under this
subtitle.
``Sec. 15305. Meetings
``(a) Initial Meeting.--Each Commission shall hold an
initial meeting not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this section.
``(b) Annual Meeting.--Each Commission shall conduct at
least 1 meeting each year with the Federal Cochairperson and
at least a majority of the State members present.
``(c) Additional Meetings.--Each Commission shall conduct
additional meetings at such times as it determines and may
conduct such meetings by electronic means.
``Sec. 15306. Personal financial interests
``(a) Conflicts of Interest.--
``(1) No role allowed.--Except as permitted by paragraph
(2), an individual who is a State member or alternate, or an
officer or employee of a Commission, shall not participate
personally and substantially as a member, alternate, officer,
or employee of the Commission, through decision, approval,
disapproval, recommendation, request for a ruling, or other
determination, contract, claim, controversy, or other matter
in which, to the individual's knowledge, any of the following
has a financial interest:
``(A) The individual.
``(B) The individual's spouse, minor child, or partner.
``(C) An organization (except a State or political
subdivision of a State) in which the individual is serving as
an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee.
``(D) Any person or organization with whom the individual
is negotiating or has any arrangement concerning prospective
employment.
``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply if the
individual, in advance of the proceeding, application,
request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim
controversy, or other particular matter presenting a
potential conflict of interest--
``(A) advises the Commission of the nature and
circumstances of the matter presenting the conflict of
interest;
``(B) makes full disclosure of the financial interest; and
``(C) receives a written decision of the Commission that
the interest is not so substantial as to be considered likely
to affect the integrity of the services that the Commission
may expect from the individual.
``(3) Violation.--An individual violating this subsection
shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 1
year, or both.
``(b) State Member or Alternate.--A State member or
alternate member may not receive any salary, or any
contribution to, or supplementation of, salary, for services
on a Commission from a source other than the State of the
member or alternate.
``(c) Detailed Employees.--
``(1) In general.--No person detailed to serve a Commission
shall receive any salary, or any contribution to, or
supplementation of, salary, for services provided to the
Commission from any source other than the State, local, or
intergovernmental department or agency from which the person
was detailed to the Commission.
``(2) Violation.--Any person that violates this subsection
shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned not more than 1
year, or both.
[[Page H10377]]
``(d) Federal Cochairman, Alternate to Federal Cochairman,
and Federal Officers and Employees.--The Federal Cochairman,
the alternate to the Federal Cochairman, and any Federal
officer or employee detailed to duty with the Commission are
not subject to this section but remain subject to sections
202 through 209 of title 18.
``(e) Rescission.--A Commission may declare void any
contract, loan, or grant of or by the Commission in relation
to which the Commission determines that there has been a
violation of any provision under subsection (a)(1), (b), or
(c), or any of the provisions of sections 202 through 209 of
title 18.
``Sec. 15307. Tribal representation on Northern Great Plains
Regional Commission
``(a) Tribal Cochairperson.--
``(1) Appointment.--In addition to the members specified in
section 15301(b)(1), the membership of the Northern Great
Plains Regional Commission shall include a Tribal
Cochairperson, to be appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate. The Tribal
Cochairperson shall be a member of an Indian tribe in the
Commission's region.
``(2) Duties.--In addition to the Federal Cochairperson and
State Cochairperson, the Commission shall be headed by the
Tribal Cochairperson, who shall serve as a liaison between
the governments of Indian tribes in the region and the
Commission.
``(b) Alternate Tribal Cochairperson.--
``(1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint an
alternate to the Tribal Cochairperson.
``(2) Duties.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson, when not
actively serving as an alternate for the Tribal
Cochairperson, shall perform such functions and duties as are
delegated by the Tribal Cochairperson.
``(3) Voting.--The alternate Tribal Cochairperson shall
vote in the case of the absence, death, disability, removal,
or resignation of the Tribal Cochairperson.
``(c) Compensation.--
``(1) Tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal Cochairperson shall
be compensated by the Federal Government at level III of the
Executive Schedule as set out in section 5314 of title 5.
``(2) Alternate tribal cochairperson.--The Tribal
Cochairperson's alternate shall be compensated by the Federal
Government at level V of the Executive Schedule as set out in
section 5316 of title 5.
``(d) Expenses of Tribal Cochairperson.--All expenses of
the Tribal Cochairperson, including expenses of the alternate
and staff of the Tribal Cochairperson, shall be paid by the
Federal Government.
``(e) Duties and Privileges.--Except as provided in
subsections (c) and (d), the Tribal Cochairperson shall have
the same duties and privileges as the State Cochairperson.
``Sec. 15308. Tribal participation
``Governments of Indian tribes in the region of the
Northern Great Plains Regional Commission or the Southwest
Border Regional Commission shall be allowed to participate in
matters before that Commission in the same manner and to the
same extent as State agencies and instrumentalities in the
region.
``Sec. 15309. Annual report
``(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the last
day of each fiscal year, each Commission shall submit to the
President and Congress a report on the activities carried out
by the Commission under this subtitle in the fiscal year.
``(b) Contents.--The report shall include--
``(1) a description of the criteria used by the Commission
to designate counties under section 15702 and a list of the
counties designated in each category;
``(2) an evaluation of the progress of the Commission in
meeting the goals identified in the Commission's economic and
infrastructure development plan under section 15303 and State
economic and infrastructure development plans under section
15502; and
``(3) any policy recommendations approved by the
Commission.
``CHAPTER 155--FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
``Sec.
``15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants.
``15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure development plans.
``15503. Approval of applications for assistance.
``15504. Program development criteria.
``15505. Local development districts and organizations.
``15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs.
``Sec. 15501. Economic and infrastructure development grants
``(a) In General.--A Commission may make grants to States
and local governments, Indian tribes, and public and
nonprofit organizations for projects, approved in accordance
with section 15503--
``(1) to develop the transportation infrastructure of its
region;
``(2) to develop the basic public infrastructure of its
region;
``(3) to develop the telecommunications infrastructure of
its region;
``(4) to assist its region in obtaining job skills
training, skills development and employment-related
education, entrepreneurship, technology, and business
development;
``(5) to provide assistance to severely economically
distressed and underdeveloped areas of its region that lack
financial resources for improving basic health care and other
public services;
``(6) to promote resource conservation, tourism,
recreation, and preservation of open space in a manner
consistent with economic development goals;
``(7) to promote the development of renewable and
alternative energy sources; and
``(8) to otherwise achieve the purposes of this subtitle.
``(b) Allocation of Funds.--A Commission shall allocate at
least 40 percent of any grant amounts provided by the
Commission in a fiscal year for projects described in
paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
``(c) Sources of Grants.--Grant amounts may be provided
entirely from appropriations to carry out this subtitle, in
combination with amounts available under other Federal grant
programs, or from any other source.
``(d) Maximum Commission Contributions.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the
Commission may contribute not more than 50 percent of a
project or activity cost eligible for financial assistance
under this section from amounts appropriated to carry out
this subtitle.
``(2) Distressed counties.--The maximum Commission
contribution for a project or activity to be carried out in a
county for which a distressed county designation is in effect
under section 15702 may be increased to 80 percent.
``(3) Special rule for regional projects.--A Commission may
increase to 60 percent under paragraph (1) and 90 percent
under paragraph (2) the maximum Commission contribution for a
project or activity if--
``(A) the project or activity involves 3 or more counties
or more than one State; and
``(B) the Commission determines in accordance with section
15302(a) that the project or activity will bring significant
interstate or multicounty benefits to a region.
``(e) Maintenance of Effort.--Funds may be provided by a
Commission for a program or project in a State under this
section only if the Commission determines that the level of
Federal or State financial assistance provided under a law
other than this subtitle, for the same type of program or
project in the same area of the State within region, will not
be reduced as a result of funds made available by this
subtitle.
``(f) No Relocation Assistance.--Financial assistance
authorized by this section may not be used to assist a person
or entity in relocating from one area to another.
``Sec. 15502. Comprehensive economic and infrastructure
development plans
``(a) State Plans.--In accordance with policies established
by a Commission, each State member of the Commission shall
submit a comprehensive economic and infrastructure
development plan for the area of the region represented by
the State member.
``(b) Content of Plan.--A State economic and infrastructure
development plan shall reflect the goals, objectives, and
priorities identified in any applicable economic and
infrastructure development plan developed by a Commission
under section 15303.
``(c) Consultation With Interested Local Parties.--In
carrying out the development planning process (including the
selection of programs and projects for assistance), a State
shall--
``(1) consult with local development districts, local units
of government, and local colleges and universities; and
``(2) take into consideration the goals, objectives,
priorities, and recommendations of the entities described in
paragraph (1).
``(d) Public Participation.--
``(1) In general.--A Commission and applicable State and
local development districts shall encourage and assist, to
the maximum extent practicable, public participation in the
development, revision, and implementation of all plans and
programs under this subtitle.
``(2) Guidelines.--A Commission shall develop guidelines
for providing public participation, including public
hearings.
``Sec. 15503. Approval of applications for assistance
``(a) Evaluation by State Member.--An application to a
Commission for a grant or any other assistance for a project
under this subtitle shall be made through, and evaluated for
approval by, the State member of the Commission representing
the applicant.
``(b) Certification.--An application to a Commission for a
grant or other assistance for a project under this subtitle
shall be eligible for assistance only on certification by the
State member of the Commission representing the applicant
that the application for the project--
``(1) describes ways in which the project complies with any
applicable State economic and infrastructure development
plan;
``(2) meets applicable criteria under section 15504;
``(3) adequately ensures that the project will be properly
administered, operated, and maintained; and
``(4) otherwise meets the requirements for assistance under
this subtitle.
``(c) Votes for Decisions.--On certification by a State
member of a Commission of an application for a grant or other
assistance for a specific project under this section, an
affirmative vote of the Commission under section 15302 shall
be required for approval of the application.
``Sec. 15504. Program development criteria
``(a) In General.--In considering programs and projects to
be provided assistance by a Commission under this subtitle,
and in establishing a priority ranking of the requests
[[Page H10378]]
for assistance provided to the Commission, the Commission
shall follow procedures that ensure, to the maximum extent
practicable, consideration of--
``(1) the relationship of the project or class of projects
to overall regional development;
``(2) the per capita income and poverty and unemployment
and outmigration rates in an area;
``(3) the financial resources available to the applicants
for assistance seeking to carry out the project, with
emphasis on ensuring that projects are adequately financed to
maximize the probability of successful economic development;
``(4) the importance of the project or class of projects in
relation to the other projects or classes of projects that
may be in competition for the same funds;
``(5) the prospects that the project for which assistance
is sought will improve, on a continuing rather than a
temporary basis, the opportunities for employment, the
average level of income, or the economic development of the
area to be served by the project; and
``(6) the extent to which the project design provides for
detailed outcome measurements by which grant expenditures and
the results of the expenditures may be evaluated.
``Sec. 15505. Local development districts and organizations
``(a) Grants to Local Development Districts.--Subject to
the requirements of this section, a Commission may make
grants to a local development district to assist in the
payment of development planning and administrative expenses.
``(b) Conditions for Grants.--
``(1) Maximum amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under
this section may not exceed 80 percent of the administrative
and planning expenses of the local development district
receiving the grant.
``(2) Maximum period for state agencies.--In the case of a
State agency certified as a local development district, a
grant may not be awarded to the agency under this section for
more than 3 fiscal years.
``(3) Local share.--The contributions of a local
development district for administrative expenses may be in
cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including space,
equipment, and services.
``(c) Duties of Local Development Districts.--A local
development district shall--
``(1) operate as a lead organization serving multicounty
areas in the region at the local level;
``(2) assist the Commission in carrying out outreach
activities for local governments, community development
groups, the business community, and the public;
``(3) serve as a liaison between State and local
governments, nonprofit organizations (including community-
based groups and educational institutions), the business
community, and citizens; and
``(4) assist the individuals and entities described in
paragraph (3) in identifying, assessing, and facilitating
projects and programs to promote the economic development of
the region.
``Sec. 15506. Supplements to Federal grant programs
``(a) Finding.--Congress finds that certain States and
local communities of the region, including local development
districts, may be unable to take maximum advantage of Federal
grant programs for which the States and communities are
eligible because--
``(1) they lack the economic resources to provide the
required matching share; or
``(2) there are insufficient funds available under the
applicable Federal law with respect to a project to be
carried out in the region.
``(b) Federal Grant Program Funding.--A Commission, with
the approval of the Federal Cochairperson, may use amounts
made available to carry out this subtitle--
``(1) for any part of the basic Federal contribution to
projects or activities under the Federal grant programs
authorized by Federal laws; and
``(2) to increase the Federal contribution to projects and
activities under the programs above the fixed maximum part of
the cost of the projects or activities otherwise authorized
by the applicable law.
``(c) Certification Required.--For a program, project, or
activity for which any part of the basic Federal contribution
to the project or activity under a Federal grant program is
proposed to be made under subsection (b), the Federal
contribution shall not be made until the responsible Federal
official administering the Federal law authorizing the
Federal contribution certifies that the program, project, or
activity meets the applicable requirements of the Federal law
and could be approved for Federal contribution under that law
if amounts were available under the law for the program,
project, or activity.
``(d) Limitations in Other Laws Inapplicable.--Amounts
provided pursuant to this subtitle are available without
regard to any limitations on areas eligible for assistance or
authorizations for appropriation in any other law.
``(e) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of a
project or activity receiving assistance under this section
shall not exceed 80 percent.
``(f) Maximum Commission Contribution.--Section 15501(d),
relating to limitations on Commission contributions, shall
apply to a program, project, or activity receiving assistance
under this section.
``CHAPTER 157--ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
``subchapter i--general provisions
``Sec.
``15701. Consent of States.
``15702. Distressed counties and areas.
``15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than one region.
``15704. Inspector General; records.
``15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all Commissions.
``15706. Relationship to other laws.
``subchapter ii--designation of regions
``15731. Delta Regional Commission.
``15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission.
``15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.
``15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission.
``15735. Northern Border Regional Commission.
``subchapter iii--authorization of appropriations
``15751. Authorization of appropriations.
``SUBCHAPTER I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
``Sec. 15701. Consent of States
``This subtitle does not require a State to engage in or
accept a program under this subtitle without its consent.
``Sec. 15702. Distressed counties and areas
``(a) Designations.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, each
Commission shall make the following designations:
``(1) Distressed counties.--The Commission shall designate
as distressed counties those counties in its region that are
the most severely and persistently economically distressed
and underdeveloped and have high rates of poverty,
unemployment, or outmigration.
``(2) Transitional counties.--The Commission shall
designate as transitional counties those counties in its
region that are economically distressed and underdeveloped or
have recently suffered high rates of poverty, unemployment,
or outmigration.
``(3) Attainment counties.--The Commission shall designate
as attainment counties, those counties in its region that are
not designated as distressed or transitional counties under
this subsection.
``(4) Isolated areas of distress.--The Commission shall
designate as isolated areas of distress, areas located in
counties designated as attainment counties under paragraph
(3) that have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or
outmigration.
``(b) Allocation.--A Commission shall allocate at least 50
percent of the appropriations made available to the
Commission to carry out this subtitle for programs and
projects designed to serve the needs of distressed counties
and isolated areas of distress in the region.
``(c) Attainment Counties.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
funds may not be provided under this subtitle for a project
located in a county designated as an attainment county under
subsection (a).
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) Administrative expenses of local development
districts.--The funding prohibition under paragraph (1) shall
not apply to grants to fund the administrative expenses of
local development districts under section 15505.
``(B) Multicounty and other projects.--A Commission may
waive the application of the funding prohibition under
paragraph (1) with respect to--
``(i) a multicounty project that includes participation by
an attainment county; and
``(ii) any other type of project, if a Commission
determines that the project could bring significant benefits
to areas of the region outside an attainment county.
``(3) Isolated areas of distress.--For a designation of an
isolated area of distress to be effective, the designation
shall be supported--
``(A) by the most recent Federal data available; or
``(B) if no recent Federal data are available, by the most
recent data available through the government of the State in
which the isolated area of distress is located.
``Sec. 15703. Counties eligible for assistance in more than
one region
``(a) Limitation.--A political subdivision of a State may
not receive assistance under this subtitle in a fiscal year
from more than one Commission.
``(b) Selection of Commission.--A political subdivision
included in the region of more than one Commission shall
select the Commission with which it will participate by
notifying, in writing, the Federal Cochairperson and the
appropriate State member of that Commission.
``(c) Changes in Selections.--The selection of a Commission
by a political subdivision shall apply in the fiscal year in
which the selection is made, and shall apply in each
subsequent fiscal year unless the political subdivision, at
least 90 days before the first day of the fiscal year,
notifies the Cochairpersons of another Commission in writing
that the political subdivision will participate in that
Commission and also transmits a copy of such notification to
the Cochairpersons of the Commission in which the political
subdivision is currently participating.
``(d) Inclusion of Appalachian Regional Commission.--In
this section, the term `Commission' includes the Appalachian
Regional Commission established under chapter 143.
[[Page H10379]]
``Sec. 15704. Inspector General; records
``(a) Appointment of Inspector General.--There shall be an
Inspector General for the Commissions appointed in accordance
with section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5
U.S.C. App.). All of the Commissions shall be subject to a
single Inspector General.
``(b) Records of a Commission.--
``(1) In general.--A Commission shall maintain accurate and
complete records of all its transactions and activities.
``(2) Availability.--All records of a Commission shall be
available for audit and examination by the Inspector General
(including authorized representatives of the Inspector
General).
``(c) Records of Recipients of Commission Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--A recipient of funds from a Commission
under this subtitle shall maintain accurate and complete
records of transactions and activities financed with the
funds and report to the Commission on the transactions and
activities.
``(2) Availability.--All records required under paragraph
(1) shall be available for audit by the Commission and the
Inspector General (including authorized representatives of
the Commission and the Inspector General).
``(d) Annual Audit.--The Inspector General shall audit the
activities, transactions, and records of each Commission on
an annual basis.
``Sec. 15705. Biannual meetings of representatives of all
Commissions
``(a) In General.--Representatives of each Commission, the
Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Denali Commission
shall meet biannually to discuss issues confronting regions
suffering from chronic and contiguous distress and successful
strategies for promoting regional development.
``(b) Chair of Meetings.--The chair of each meeting shall
rotate among the Commissions, with the Appalachian Regional
Commission to host the first meeting.
``Sec. 15706. Relationship to other laws
``Projects receiving assistance under this subtitle shall
be treated in the manner provided in section 602 of the
Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3212).
``SUBCHAPTER II--DESIGNATION OF REGIONS
``Sec. 15731. Delta Regional Commission
``The region of the Delta Regional Commission shall consist
of the following political subdivisions:
``(1) Alabama.--The counties of Barbour, Bullock, Butler,
Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Hale,
Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Pickens, Russell,
Sumter, Washington, and Wilcox in the State of Alabama.
``(2) Arkansas.--The counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter,
Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clay, Cleveland, Craighead,
Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Fulton, Grant,
Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence,
Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita,
Phillips, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis,
Searcy, Sharp, Stone, Union, Van Buren, White, and Woodruff
in the State of Arkansas.
``(3) Illinois.--The counties of Alexander, Franklin,
Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry,
Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White, and Williamson
in the State of Illinois.
``(4) Kentucky.--The counties of Ballard, Caldwell,
Calloway, Carlisle, Christian, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves,
Henderson, Hickman, Hopkins, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall,
McCracken, McLean, Muhlenberg, Todd, Trigg, Union, and
Webster in the State of Kentucky.
``(5) Louisiana.--The parishes of Acadia, Allen, Ascension,
Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Caldwell,
Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, E. Baton Rouge,
DeSoto, E. Carroll, E. Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin,
Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson
Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison,
Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines,
Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, St. Bernard, St.
Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St.
Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Union,
Vermilion, W. Baton Rouge, W. Carroll, W. Feliciana,
Washington, Webster, and Winn in the State of Louisiana.
``(6) Mississippi.--The counties of Adams, Amite, Attala,
Benton, Bolivar, Carroll, Claiborne, Coahoma, Copiah,
Covington, DeSoto, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes,
Humphreys, Issaquena, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis,
Lafayette, Lawrence, Leflore, Lincoln, Madison, Marion,
Marshall, Montgomery, Panola, Pike, Quitman, Rankin, Sharkey,
Simpson, Smith, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah,
Tunica, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wilkinson,
Yalobusha, and Yazoo in the State of Mississippi.
``(7) Missouri.--The counties Bollinger, Butler, Cape
Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Howell,
Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark,
Pemiscott, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Ste. Genevieve,
St. Francois, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Washington,
Wayne, and Wright in the State of Missouri.
``(8) Tennessee.--The counties of Benton, Carroll, Chester,
Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin,
Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, McNairy,
Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton, and Weakley in the State of
Tennessee.
``Sec. 15732. Northern Great Plains Regional Commission
``The region of the Northern Great Plains Regional
Commission shall consist of the following:
``(1) All counties of the States of Iowa, Minnesota,
Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
``(2) The counties of Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Caldwell,
Carroll, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb,
Gentry, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Linn,
Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway, Platte, Putnam, Schuyler,
Sullivan, and Worth in the State of Missouri.
``Sec. 15733. Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
``The region of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
shall consist of all counties of the States of Virginia,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Florida not already served by the
Appalachian Regional Commission or the Delta Regional
Commission.
``Sec. 15734. Southwest Border Regional Commission
``The region of the Southwest Border Regional Commission
shall consist of the following political subdivisions:
``(1) Arizona.--The counties of Cochise, Gila, Graham,
Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma
in the State of Arizona.
``(2) California.--The counties of Imperial, Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura in
the State of California.
``(3) New mexico.--The counties of Catron, Chaves, Dona
Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra, and
Socorro in the State of New Mexico.
``(4) Texas.--The counties of Atascosa, Bandera, Bee,
Bexar, Brewster, Brooks, Cameron, Coke, Concho, Crane,
Crockett, Culberson, Dimmit, Duval, Ector, Edwards, El Paso,
Frio, Gillespie, Glasscock, Hidalgo, Hudspeth, Irion, Jeff
Davis, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kenedy, Kerr,
Kimble, Kinney, Kleberg, La Salle, Live Oak, Loving, Mason,
Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Midland, Nueces, Pecos,
Presidio, Reagan, Real, Reeves, San Patricio, Shleicher,
Sutton, Starr, Sterling, Terrell, Tom Green Upton, Uvalde,
Val Verde, Ward, Webb, Willacy, Wilson, Winkler, Zapata, and
Zavala in the State of Texas.
``Sec. 15735. Northern Border Regional Commission
``The region of the Northern Border Regional Commission
shall include the following counties:
``(1) Maine.--The counties of Androscoggin, Aroostook,
Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Oxford, Penobscot,
Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington in the State of
Maine.
``(2) New hampshire.--The counties of Carroll, Coos,
Grafton, and Sullivan in the State of New Hampshire.
``(3) New york.--The counties of Cayuga, Clinton, Essex,
Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis,
Madison, Oneida, Oswego, Seneca, and St. Lawrence in the
State of New York.
``(4) Vermont.--The counties of Caledonia, Essex, Franklin,
Grand Isle, Lamoille, and Orleans in the State of Vermont.
``SUBCHAPTER III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
``Sec. 15751. Authorization of appropriations
``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to each Commission to carry out this subtitle--
``(1) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
``(2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
``(3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
``(4) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
``(5) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
``(b) Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 10 percent of
the funds made available to a Commission in a fiscal year
under this section may be used for administrative
expenses.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of subtitles for
chapter 40, United States Code, is amended by striking the
item relating to subtitle V and inserting the following:
``V. REGIONAL ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT........15101 ....
``VI. MISCELLANEOUS........................................17101''.....
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Repeals.--Subtitles F and G of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa-2009bb-13) are
repealed.
(b) Inspector General Act.--Section 11 of the Inspector
General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``or the President of the
Export-Import Bank;'' and inserting ``the President of the
Export-Import Bank; or the Federal Cochairpersons of the
Commissions established under section 15301 of title 40,
United States Code;''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``or the Export-Import
Bank,'' and inserting ``the Export-Import Bank, or the
Commissions established under section 15301 of title 40,
United States Code,''.
SEC. 5. TRANSFERS OF AUTHORITY AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) Transfers of Authority.--Subject to the requirements of
this Act (including the amendments made by this Act)--
[[Page H10380]]
(1) all of the functions of the Delta Regional Authority
are transferred to the Delta Regional Commission; and
(2) all of the functions of the Northern Great Plains
Regional Authority are transferred to the Northern Great
Plains Regional Commission.
(b) Legal Documents.--All orders, determinations, rules,
regulations, grants, loans, contracts, and agreements--
(1) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to
become effective by the Delta Regional Authority or the
Northern Great Plains Regional Authority in the performance
of any function that is transferred by this section, and
(2) that are in effect on the effective date of such
transfer (or become effective after such date pursuant to
their terms as in effect on such effective date),
shall continue in effect according to their terms until
modified, terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in
accordance with law by an authorized official, a court of
competent jurisdiction, or operation of law.
(c) Transfer of Assets and Personnel.--
(1) Delta regional commission.--There shall be transferred
to the Delta Regional Commission such assets, funds,
personnel, records, and other property of the Delta Regional
Authority relating to the functions of the Authority as the
Commission determines appropriate.
(2) Northern great plains regional commission.--There shall
be transferred to the Northern Great Plains Regional
Commission such assets, funds, personnel, records, and other
property of the Northern Great Plains Regional Authority as
the Commission determines appropriate.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take
effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning
after the date of enactment of this Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.
General Leave
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 3246.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
There was no objection.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
H.R. 3246, as amended, in fact does amend title 40, United States
Code, to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and
infrastructure development in the most severely and economically
distressed regions of the Nation.
H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act
of 2007, authorizes two existing commissions and three new regional
economic development commissions under a common framework of
administration and management, and further provides a framework for
good decisionmaking and planning. These commissions are designed to
address problems of systemic poverty and underdevelopment in their
respective regions.
The five commissions are: the Delta Regional Commission, the Northern
Great Plains Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent Regional
Commission, the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern
Border Regional Commission.
The bill models the administrative and management procedures for
these five commissions after the highly successful Appalachian Regional
Commission. The bill provides for a voting structure, provisions
regarding staffing, conflicts of interest, local development districts,
and other matters designed to produce a standard administrative
framework.
By providing a uniform set of procedures, this bill provides a
consistent method for distributing economic development funds
throughout the regions most in need of such assistance and ensures a
comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure
development where it is most needed in our country.
The Northern Border Regional Commission, the Southeast Crescent
Regional Commission, and the Southwest Border Regional Commission have
been proposed in legislation introduced in this and in previous
Congresses and are designed to address problems of systemic poverty and
underdevelopment in those regions. In addition, the Delta Regional
Commission and the Northern Great Plains Commission would be authorized
through this legislation.
H.R. 3246 authorizes funds for each commission to provide vital
assistance for the development of our Nation's most chronically poor
and distressed regions.
I would like to say a few words about the uniqueness of each of the
new commissions being authorized by this bill. The Southwest Border
Region includes all counties within 150 miles of the U.S.-Mexico
border. This region contains 11 counties in New Mexico, 65 counties in
Texas, 10 counties in Arizona, and seven counties in California, for a
combined population of approximately 29 million residents.
According to research compiled by the Interagency Task Force on the
Economic Development of the Southwest Border, 20 percent of the
residents of this region of the Nation live below the poverty level.
Unemployment rates are often as high as five times the national
unemployment rate, and a lack of adequate access to capital has created
economic disparities and made it difficult for businesses to start up
in the region.
The Northern Border Region, stretching from Maine to New York, while
abundant in natural resources and rich in potential, lags behind much
of the Nation in its economic growth, and its people have not shared
properly in the Nation's prosperity. The region's historic reliance on
a few basic industries and on agriculture has failed to provide a
diverse enough economic base for a vigorous self-sustained growth. In
the belt of counties along the northern border from Maine through New
York, 12.5 percent of the population lives in poverty; median household
incomes is about $6,500 below the national average; unemployment
through layoffs in traditional manufacturing industries is persistent;
and the population grew only by 0.6 percent between 1990 and 2000 while
the U.S. population rose by 13.2 percent, showing significant out-
migration and loss of young people in the northern border region.
The southeastern portion of the United States, encompassing the
States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Florida, is an area which has seen poverty rates well
above the national average, coupled with record unemployment. The
region has also experienced natural disasters at a rate two to three
times greater than any other region in the United States. The Southeast
Crescent Authority authorizes a local-State-Federal partnership to lift
citizens in this geographic area out of poverty and create jobs.
With the Federal allocation of funding, SECA seeks to funnel monies
to programs which address one or more of the following criteria for the
community betterment: infrastructure, education and job training,
health care, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Those
communities with the greatest need will be targeted, and grants will be
made according to the degree of distress.
This bill has very broad and very bipartisan support, Mr. Speaker;
and the committee has held a series of hearings that has documented the
needs that these economic development commissions would address.
{time} 1430
I strongly support the bill, and urge passage of H.R. 3246.
I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
First, I want to express the regrets of the subcommittee ranking
member, Mr. Graves from Missouri, who was unable to be here and has
asked me to explain the bill.
H.R. 3246, as amended, authorizes two existing economic development
commissions, the Delta Regional Commission and the Northern Great
Plains Regional Commission. The bill also creates three new economic
development commissions, the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission,
the Southwest Border Regional Commission, and the Northern Border
Regional Commission.
The Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act authorizes
these five regional economic development commissions for 5 years, and
provides a structure for economic development, decision-making and
planning. The bill outlines conditions for financial assistance,
authorizes grants to
[[Page H10381]]
local development districts. In addition, the bill establishes an
Inspector General for the commission.
Additionally, H.R. 3246 provides a framework for administration and
management. The framework is modeled after the Appalachian Regional
Commission structure, including membership, voting structure and
staffing of the commission. Through the use of this common framework,
this bill provides a consistency in distribution of economic
development funds.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud).
Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure
Development Act of 2007 represents a vision for economic development in
our Nation that will help Americans in the most distressed region of
our country.
In the northern border region, we have seen a clear, persistent
pattern of economic distress. If you look at the 36 counties that lie
on the border right next to the border between Maine and New York, you
will find poverty above the national level average, median household
income that is more than $6,500 below the national average. You'll see
a persistent unemployment through layoffs and traditional manufacturing
industry, and most striking of all, a meager gain in only 0.6 percent
of the population between 1990 and 2000, compared to a 13 percent
growth nationally over the same period.
In short, Mr. Speaker, our mills are closing, our young people are
leaving and too many of our workers are looking for work. Clearly, this
region has a common set of challenges and a compelling need for
investment and new growth.
As a mill worker for over 28 years at Great Northern Paper Company, I
understand the particular challenges in the border regions of Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. Like my father and grandfather
before me, I left high school and went straight to work in the paper
mill in my hometown. After 28 years, and 2 days after I was sworn into
Congress, the mill that I worked at went bankrupt, and my hometown was
devastated. Unemployment rose to over 33 percent.
The story of my hometown and the mills where I worked has been
repeated throughout the State of Maine and our region. That is why we
need to support this region economic development bill. We have to
support our regional industries and build on new job opportunities, and
that is why we need to invest in leadership and focus in our regional
economic development that the Northern Border Commission would bring.
The Northern Border Commission would help the region invest in
transportation, health care, agriculture, broadband and alternative
energy. It can be a partner with businesses to maintain our industries
and build new industry clusters. It can help us create jobs for the
long term.
We have all the ingredients that we need to face our challenges head
on and make our region an economic engine. This new commission would
help us make a fundamental change in our future.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank all my colleagues on both
sides of the aisle for working in a bipartisan manner on this bill. I'd
like to thank the Chair of the full committee, Chairman Oberstar, and
the Chair of the subcommittee, Ms. Norton, for their efforts as well,
and also the former Chair of the subcommittee, Mr. Shuster, for all his
hard work on the regional commission bills, as well as Congressman
Hodes from New Hampshire who has been a true leader in this particular
area as well.
This bill represents a new way forward for economic development in
our Nation for the places and the people that need it most. Let's pass
this bill and give our people the hope and the future that they deserve
Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Hodes).
Mr. HODES. Mr. Speaker, I join Congressman Michaud in expressing
thanks to Chairman Oberstar and other members of the Transportation
Committee.
I rise today to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to
support the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of
2007. This bill includes the Northern Border Regional Development
Commission Act, the first bill I introduced as a Member of Congress, a
bill with bipartisan support, and for which I extend a special thanks
to Congressman Michaud, who has shown extraordinary leadership in the
northern border region for economic development.
Mr. Speaker, parts of my home State of New Hampshire, and especially
the beautiful region known as the North Country, have taken an economic
beating and are struggling to recover. A staggering number of jobs have
been lost. We have watched as plants closed and our young people
disappeared to places that offer more opportunity. New Hampshire's
North Country has suffered repeated economic body blows, and for the
people who live there, it's getting harder and harder to get by.
I get up to the North Country quite frequently, and have spoken with
hardworking folks with the drive to improve their neighborhoods, but
whose communities have been ignored by the Federal Government for
years.
If you were to pick up the paper today, Mr. Speaker, you would see
pictures of the smokestacks of once thriving pulp mills coming down,
having been subject to explosives.
Because of the challenges New Hampshire's North Country face, and the
sincere desire of the people there to turn things around and to create
new jobs and new investments, there's a compelling case for leveraging
Federal investment in the region. In fact, the northern border region,
or the ice belt, which includes the northernmost counties of New York,
Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, has higher unemployment, a higher
percentage of people living in poverty, and lower household income than
the rest of the Nation.
The commission created in this bill would be charged with investing
Federal resources for economic development and job creation in the most
distressed counties in that northern border region.
By design and purpose, this bill follows the successful regional
development models created in the mid 1960s to improve the economic
standing of targeted regions in the South. Based on this successful
model, the commission would create a unique Federal-State partnership
charged with promoting development through regional planning, technical
assistance and funding of projects aimed at encouraging economic
prosperity.
The bill works like this: Community development districts and other
nonprofits are encouraged to bring project ideas to the commission from
the local level. This bottom-up, grassroots approach insures that
actions reflect both local needs and regional economic development
goals. It also insures that States have a deciding voice in what
investment is made within their borders.
With a proposed budget of $40 million per year, the Northern Border
Regional Development Commission can help meet a range of local needs.
Whether the need is agricultural development, land and forestry
conservation to maintain productive traditional uses, investment in
transportation infrastructure, alternative and renewable energy or
health care facilities, this commission will play a key role in
investing in the region's economy.
The bill says, if you're willing to work hard and play by the rules,
we're here to help you get ahead. The communities in the northern
border region deserve effective government working for them. The
Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act is an important
first step toward providing good-paying jobs, economic opportunity and
revitalized communities.
Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to stress the bipartisan nature of
this bill. I also want to stress the hearings we've held on this bill.
As you might imagine, when people hear the word ``economic
development,'' everybody wants in. This has been a very rigorous
process. We have bent over backwards, frontwards and sideways to be
completely objective and to be open to Members on both sides of the
aisles.
It's worth noting that all of the amendments that were added were
requested by minority Members, our Republican colleagues. We're pleased
to
[[Page H10382]]
do so. They were able to show the need in their respective districts.
This bill, it seems to me, in light of the strong support it has had
in our subcommittee and our committee, from Members from all parts of
the country, and of all backgrounds and parties, in light of that fact,
I urge passage of the bill, and I urge all Members to support this
bipartisan bill for economic development for the underdeveloped regions
of our country
Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246,
Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007. I
appreciate the work Chairman Oberstar and Representatives Graves,
Hodes, and Michaud have done to develop this important legislation and
bring it to the House floor.
The Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act is designed
to alleviate systemic poverty and underdevelopment in our Nation's most
severely economically distressed areas. These include rural Alaska,
Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta region, the northern Great Plains
region, the southeast crescent region, the southwest border region, and
the northern border region, which includes all 11 counties that I have
the honor to represent: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton,
Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego, and St. Lawrence.
To provide a comprehensive, consistent and broad-based approach to
economic and infrastructure development, H.R. 3246 authorizes five
regional economic development commissions. These commissions, modeled
after the successful Appalachian Regional Commission, would have a
uniform set of procedures and a common structure for administration,
decision-making, management, and planning.
With funding authorized and provided by Congress, each Commission
would make grants to States and local governments, Indian tribes, and
public or nonprofit organizations for projects to develop
transportation, public, and telecommunications infrastructure. These
projects would also further efforts to provide job skills training,
improve basic health care and related services, promote resource
conservation, and development of both renewable and alternative energy
sources.
My constituent counties, like many others within the northern border
region, lag behind the rest of the Nation in economic growth and
continue to experience higher than average levels of unemployment,
poverty, and outmigration. Very simply, my constituents, as well as
those who live in the other affected areas, should no longer be left
behind. Moreover, I am confident that with the assistance provided
through H.R. 3246, the economies of all the impacted counties will
improve, thus resulting in an enhanced quality of life for all.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3246,
the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, which
will help spur economic development in my district of El Paso, TX. I
would like to thank Chairman Oberstar for his vision regarding the need
and importance of regional authorities for development in areas of the
country with huge economic need. For the past three Congresses, I have
introduced my bill, the Southwest Regional Border Authority Act, in an
attempt to bring some relief to the United States-Mexico border and my
district of El Paso, TX. This year, under the leadership of Chairman
Oberstar, my bill has been included into his overall legislation. I
would also like to thank many of my colleagues who represent districts
along the United States-Mexico border for their support in the creation
of the Southwest Regional Border Authority.
The Chairman's bill would authorize $1.25 billion over the period of
FY 2008 through FY 2012 for five regional commissions one of which will
be created in the United States-Mexico border region. The Authorities
would be Federal-State partnerships for providing assistance to
economically distressed and underdeveloped areas that have experienced
high levels of unemployment, poverty, or out-migration. Three of the
commissions would be new and would assist areas in the southeastern
United States and areas along the Mexican and Canadian borders; two of
the commissions would replace existing Authorities in the Delta and
northern Great Plains regions. The bill would establish uniform
administrative structures and responsibilities for the commissions, and
authorize the commissions to provide financial assistance for projects
and programs in their respective regions to develop transportation and
infrastructure, provide job skills training and support business
development.
The Southwest border region, as defined in the bill, includes all
counties within 150 miles of the United States-Mexico border. This
region contains 11 counties in New Mexico, 65 counties in Texas, 10
counties in Arizona, and 7 counties in California, with a combined
population of approximately 29 million.
According to research compiled by the Interagency Task Force on the
Economic Development of the Southwest Border, 20 percent of the
residents in my region live below the poverty level, unemployment rates
often reach as high as five times the national average, and a lack of
adequate access to capital has created economic disparities, making it
difficult for businesses to start up in the region. Border communities
have long endured a depressed economy and low-paying jobs. Our economic
challenges partly stem from our position as a border community.
Economic development in border communities is difficult to stimulate
without assistance from the government, private sector, and community
organizations. H.R. 3246 would help foster planning to encourage
infrastructure improvements, technology deployment, education and
workforce training, and community development through entrepreneurship.
Modeled in part after the Appalachian Regional Commission, the
Southwest Border Regional Authority and other Authorities would follow
four guiding principles:
First, the Authorities would fund proposals designed at the local
level followed by approval at the State level in order to meet regional
economic development goals;
Second, projects leading to the creation of a diversified regional
economy would be prioritized. Currently, States and counties often are
forced to compete against each other for limited funding;
Third, the Authorities would be independent agencies. This would
prevent them from having to attempt to satisfy another Federal agency's
mission requirements when determining which projects to fund; and
Finally, the Authorities would be comprised of one Senate-confirmed
Federal representative and the governors of the States of jurisdiction.
For too long, many areas of our country including the Southwest
border region have been ignored, overlooked, and underfunded. We need
to recognize the challenges facing these underserved areas and help
them make the most of their many assets. I believe the Authorities
created in the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of
2007 would go a long way toward achieving the goal of economic
prosperity in some of the poorest regions of our country.
Again, I would like to thank Chairman Oberstar for his leadership on
this issue and look forward to the implementation of this important
legislation.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3246, a
bill to provide a comprehensive regional approach to economic and
infrastructure development in the most severely economically distressed
regions in the Nation.
H.R. 3246, the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act
of 2007, reauthorizes two existing commissions, the Delta Regional
Commission and the Northern Great Plains Regional Commission, and
establishes three new regional economic development commissions: the
Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, the Southwest Border Regional
Commission, and the Northern Border Regional Commission. These
Commissions will address problems of systemic poverty and
underdevelopment in their respective regions.
This legislation authorizes all of these regional commissions under a
common framework of administration and management, modeled after the
procedures for the highly successful Appalachian Regional Commission.
By providing a uniform set of procedures, this bill provides a
consistent method for distributing economic development funds and
ensures a comprehensive regional approach to economic and
infrastructure development in the most severely distressed regions in
the country.
H.R. 3246 authorizes $250 million per year for fiscal years 2008
through 2012 for each commission to provide vital assistance for the
development of our Nation's most chronically poor and distressed
regions.
Each of the three new commissions authorized by this bill serves a
unique need. The Southwest border region includes all counties within
150 miles of the United States-Mexico border. This region contains 11
counties in New Mexico, 65 counties in Texas, 10 counties in Arizona,
and 7 counties in California for a combined population of approximately
29 million people. According to research compiled by the Interagency
Task Force on the Economic Development of the Southwest Border, 20
percent of the residents in this region of the Nation live below the
poverty level, and unemployment rates often reach as high as five times
the national unemployment rate. A lack of adequate access to capital
has created economic disparities and made it difficult for businesses
to start up in the region.
The northern border region stretches from Maine to New York. While
the region enjoys abundant natural resources and is rich in potential,
it lags behind much of the Nation in economic growth, and its people
have not shared equitably in the Nation's prosperity. The region's
historic reliance on a few basic industries and agriculture has failed
to provide a diverse enough economic base for vigorous, self-sustaining
growth. In the countries in this region, 12.5 percent of the population
lives in
[[Page H10383]]
poverty, median household income is more than $6,500 below the national
average, and unemployment through layoffs in traditional manufacturing
industries is persistent. The population grew only 0.6 percent between
1990 and 2000, during which time the U.S. population rose by 13.2
percent, indicating significant out-imigration and loss of young
people.
The southeastern region of the United States includes the coastal and
central portions of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Approximately 40 percent of the
counties in this region have had 20 percent or more of their citizens
living in poverty, on average, during the last 30 years. The area has
also faced record unemployment. Additionally, this region has
experienced natural disasters at a rate of two to three times greater
than any other region of the U.S. The southeastern region is one of the
last areas of the country without a Federal authority dedicated to
ending poverty and strengthening communities. The Southeast Crescent
Authority (SECA) authorizes a local-State-Federal partnership to lift
citizens in this geographic area out of poverty and create jobs by
targeting the communities with the greatest need.
This bill has broad bipartisan support, and the committee has held a
series of hearings regarding the need for these economic development
commissions. The model for economic development through partnerships
between the Federal Government and State and local governments has
worked extremely well in the case of the Appalachian Regional
Commission, and I am certain it will continue to serve to enhance the
lives and livelihoods of citizens in other regions.
I submit an exchange of letters regarding jurisdiction, and I support
HR. 3246 and urge its passage.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC, September 17, 2007.
Hon. James L. Oberstar,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Oberstar: I am writing to confirm our mutual
understanding regarding consideration of H.R. 3246, the
``Regional Infrastructure Development Act of 2007,'' which
was referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee and reported to the House on September 7.
Specifically, I appreciate your acknowledgement of the
Committee on Agriculture's jurisdictional interest in
provisions contained in the bill that affect rural
development programs.
As you know, clause 1(a) of Rule X gives the Committee on
Agriculture jurisdiction over bills that affect rural
development programs. Given the importance of moving this
bill forward promptly, I would be glad to waive any
consideration of this measure as to allow its timely
consideration by the entire House of Representatives.
However, I do so with the understanding that this procedural
route will not be construed to prejudice the Agriculture
Committee's jurisdictional interests and prerogatives on this
bill, or any other similar legislation, and will not be
considered as precedent for consideration of matters of
jurisdictional interest to the Agriculture Committee in the
future.
Furthermore, in the event a conference with the Senate is
requested in this matter, I would ask you to support the
Committee on Agriculture's request to be represented.
Thank you very much for your courtesy in this matter and I
look forward to your continued cooperation between our
Committees as we deal with these matters in the future.
Sincerely,
Collin C. Peterson
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure,
Washington, DC, September 17, 2007.
Hon. Collin C. Peterson,
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Peterson: Thank you for your September 17,
2007 letter regarding H.R. 3246, the ``Regional Economic and
Infrastructure Development Act of 2007''. Your support for
this legislation and your assistance in ensuring its timely
consideration are greatly appreciated.
I agree that provisions in the bill are of jurisdictional
interest to the Committee on Agriculture. I acknowledge that
by forgoing a sequential referral, your Committee is not
relinquishing its jurisdiction and I will fully support your
request to be represented in a House-Senate conference on
those provisions over which the Committee on Agriculture has
jurisdiction in H.R. 3246.
I value your cooperation and look forward to working with
you as we move ahead with this important economic development
legislation.
Sincerly,
James L. Oberstar,
Chairman.
Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Regional
Economic and Infrastructure Development Act of 2007, which provides a
comprehensive regional approach to economic and infrastructure
development in the most severely economically distressed regions in the
Nation. This bill includes legislation that I have introduced in every
Congress since the 107th Congress that will establish a SouthEast
Crescent Authority for economic development. The authority would cover
the southeastern portion of the United States, encompassing the States
of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Mississippi, and Florida, which have all seen poverty rates well above
the national average coupled with record unemployment--the double
whammy--poverty and unemployment.
I would like to personally thank the Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee Chairman Oberstar and his Ranking Member, Mr.
Mica, and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on
Economic Development Chairwoman Holmes Norton and the Ranking Member,
Mr. Graves, for their hard work and dedication to our Nation's most
economically disadvantagd regions. It is their compassion, cooperation,
and commitment that brought us here today, and I applaud them for their
efforts to continue this cause, and I thank them for their friendship
and support.
As a Member that represents a district from one of the Southern
States that has experienced job growth stagnation, I have seen first-
hand the restructuring of the South's economy. Jobs in textiles and
furniture-making have decreased substantially while jobs in retail,
services, and the professions have rushed in. Although a more high-tech
and globally competitive economy has enabled new opportunities for
employment in the South, it has also dismantled jobs long held by
employees who have few prospects for shifting to other jobs with
comparable pay. In addition, the seven States of the SECA region also
experience natural disasters at a rate of two to three times greater
than any other region of the United States, and this vulnerability to
natural disasters further exacerbates the ability to recover from
economic distress.
Modeled primarily after the successful Appalachian Regional
Commission (ARC), the SouthEast Crescent Authority hopes to enjoin a
local-State-Federal partnership to lift our citizens out of poverty and
create jobs. With the Federal allocation of funding, SECA seeks to
target monies to programs which address one or more of the following
criteria for community betterment: (1) infrastructure, (2) education
and job training, (3) health care, (4) entrepreneurship, and (5)
leadership development. Those communities with the greatest need will
be targeted, and grants will be made according to the degree of
distress.
Mr. Speaker, the time is now to work to change this pattern and
ensure that those individuals--like those in my district who work in
textiles or manufacturing--and those communities--like the many rural
communities that have been affected--are not left behind. And I am
confident that the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act
of 2007 that is before us today will be able to do just that. It's the
least we can do to act now and help ``the least of these'' who have
suffered enough and to help bolster economic progress and possibility.
Thank you, and may God bless our efforts to help expand economic
opportunities for all of our citizens and their families.
Mr. ARCURI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the
Regional Economic and In Development Act of 2007.
I want to thank the distinguished Chairwoman of the Economic
Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee,
Ms. Norton, the Full Committee Chairman, and the Ranking Members for
delivering this legislation which authorizes three new economic
development commissions--the Northern Border, Southeast Crescent, and
Southwest Border Regional Commissions--and reauthorizes the successful
Delta and Northern Great Plains Regional Commissions. These Commissions
will help bring economic development to regions of our country that
desperately need it.
Over the last several decades, Upstate New York has had a consistent
pattern of economic distress as a result of substantial losses in the
manufacturing sector, coupled with aging infrastructure and lack of
opportunities for a skilled workforce. My district alone has seen a
staggering loss of more than 14,000 manufacturing jobs between 2000 and
2005. However, this isn't an anomaly, it is extremely characteristic of
several States in the Northeast. A targeted regional approach can help
bring back economic vitality to these regions.
This bipartisan legislation creates a Northern Border Regional
Commission that will bring much needed job creation and economic
development resources to the Northeast region. Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, and Upstate New York will all benefit tremendously from the
establishment of this Commission because it will assess and address the
very specific needs, assets, and challenges of the region as a whole.
The Commission will create a Federal-State partnership where local
development districts and other non-profits bring project ideas and
priorities to the Commission from the local level to promote economic
development
[[Page H10384]]
through regional planning, technical assistance, and funding of
projects aimed at encouraging economic prosperity.
This Northern Border Regional Commission is modeled after the very
successful Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) approach, an idea
conceived by Chairman Oberstar, over 40 years ago.
Simply put, the numbers speak for themselves. Since its creation, the
ARC has reduced the number of distressed counties in its region from
219 to 100, cut the poverty rate from 31 percent to 15 percent, and
helped 1,400 businesses create 26,000 new jobs. I welcome the creation
of similar Commissions with this kind of proven track record.
The Northern Border Regional Commission not only will extend benefits
to economically distressed counties in Maine, New Hampshire, and
Vermont, but will also allow Upstate New York counties like Oneida,
Herkimer, Cayuga, and Seneca to enjoy the same benefits their
neighboring counties in the Southern Tier enjoy under the Appalachian
Regional Commission.
We need to act now to ensure that every American has access to job
training, employment-related education, and high-tech infrastructure,
so that we can retain and grow our global competitive edge. And I am
confident the Regional Economic and Infrastructure Development Act will
help us achieve that end.
I urge my colleagues to support this legislation which will help
create parity for economically anemic regions across the country.
Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3246, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________