[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E328-E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          EARMARK DECLARATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2009

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican 
Leadership's policy on earmarks, I submit the following:
  Requesting Member: Congressman Bill Shuster (PA-9).
  Bill Number: H.R. 1105--FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
  Division B--Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies.
  Project Name: Operation Our Town.
  Account: OJP--Bryne Discretionary Grants.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Operation Our Town.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 5506 6th Avenue Rear, Altoona, PA 
16602.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $300,000 for Operation Our Town.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
facilitate partnerships between community and business leaders to fight 
illegal drug use and crime through proven law enforcement, treatment, 
and prevention strategies. Operation Our Town focuses on coordinating 
resources to reduce the threats faced by drugs and related crimes as 
part of the ongoing national war on drugs and gangs.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 33 percent of funding 
would be used for coordination with law enforcement, approximately 17 
percent of funding would be used for prevention, approximately 17 
percent of funding would be used for treatment, approximately 30 
percent of funding would be used for blight eradication, and 
approximately 3 percent would be used for other expenses.
  Project Name: Franklin County Emergency Services Alliance--
Interoperable Communications Initiative.
  Account: COPS Law Enforcement Technology.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Franklin County Emergency Services 
Alliance.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 4 North Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 
17201.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $500,000 for Interoperable Communications Initiative.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
purchase and upgrade equipment for first responders in Franklin County, 
Pennsylvania. Improved equipment will increase emergency, disaster 
assistance, and recovery efforts.
  Increased interoperability will greatly improve the ability of 
Franklin County to assist in supporting critical response efforts for 
nearby major metropolitan areas and federal facilities including 
Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, Harrisburg, PA, Letterkenny Army Depot 
(PA), Camp David (MD), and Fort Detrick (MD).
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for the 
acquisition of emergency services communications units, with 
approximately 40 percent of funding used to acquire portable units, 
approximately 40 percent of funding used to acquire base and mobile 
units, and approximately 20 percent of funding used to acquire pager 
units.
  Project Name: Saint Francis University Center for Global 
Competitiveness.
  Account: International Trade Administration.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: St. Francis University.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 117 Evergreen Drive, Loretto, PA 15940.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $350,000 for Saint Francis University Center for Global 
Competitiveness.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
create jobs and stimulate economic development by assisting local small 
and medium sized businesses.
  Specifically, the Saint Francis University Center for Global 
Competitiveness provides specialized marketing assistance to small and 
medium sized global businesses in a ten county region helping them to 
become more competitive in a global economy including international 
trade and expansion into domestic markets.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 50 percent of funding 
will be used for labor costs, approximately 40 percent of funding will 
be used for coordination with Saint Vincent College, and approximately 
10 percent of funding will be used for equipment and other expenses.
  Division C--Energy and Water Development.
  Project Name: South Central Pennsylvania Environmental Improvement 
Program.
  Account: Corps of Engineers, Construction.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: US Army Corps of Engineers--
Baltimore District.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 10 South Howard Street, Baltimore, MD 
21201.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $4.5 million for South Central Environmental Infrastructure.
  It is my understanding that funding for the South Central 
Pennsylvania Environmental Improvement Program will provide design and 
construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure 
and resource protection and development projects in South Central 
Pennsylvania. The program provides the funding necessary for local 
communities to install basic sewer and water systems and is a key 
aspect of building and enhancing infrastructure for many rural 
communities in Pennsylvania. The program was authorized in the Water 
Resources Development Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-580).
  It is also my understanding that funding will be administered by the 
US Army Corps of Engineers as authorized to provide design and 
construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure 
and resource protection and development projects in South Central 
Pennsylvania.
  Project Name: Juniata Hybrid Locomotive.
  Account: Department of Energy, EERE.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Pennsylvania State University.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 17 Old Main, University Park, PA 16802.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $713,625 for Juniata Hybrid Locomotive.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
assess and develop technological alternatives to diesel locomotives and 
to develop a more energy efficient and environmentally friendly 
locomotive for yard, local, and main line applications. Associated with 
this research effort is the development of energy management and 
control technologies required to maximize the energy efficiency of 
hybrid locomotives. Converting the existing locomotive fleet to new 
technologies would reduce both emissions and our dependence on foreign 
oil, reducing impacts on the environment and improving our national and 
energy security.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 20 percent of funding 
would be used for labor costs, approximately 20 percent of funding 
would be used for engineering consultants, approximately 20 percent of 
funding would be used for charger components, and approximately 40 
percent of funding would be used for locomotive components.
  Division E--Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.
  Project Name: Flight 93 National Memorial.
  Account: National Park Service, Construction.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Park Service.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 109 West Main Street, Suite 104, 
Somerset, PA 15501.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $1.2 million for Flight 93 National Memorial.
  It is my understanding that funding will used for construction costs 
at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. 
The Flight 93 National Memorial honors the men and women who gave their 
lives in the first counterattack of the Global War on Terror on 
September 11, 2001.

  The Flight 93 National Memorial Act (P.L. 107-226) established the 
creation of the Flight 93 National Memorial ``to commemorate the 
passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, 
courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our 
Nation's Capital.''
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used by the National 
Park Service as authorized for construction and associated costs such 
as design development and construction management at the Flight 93 
National Memorial.
  Project Name: Historic Mishler Theatre.
  Account: National Park Service, Save America's Treasures.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Blair County Arts Foundation.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 1212 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $150,000 for the Historic Mishler Theatre.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used for 
renovations to the Mishler Theatre in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Known 
for its cultural and architectural significance and listed on the 
National Register of

[[Page E329]]

Historical Places, renovations to the Mishler Theatre are vital to 
preserving and restoring this vibrant center for the arts.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for the 
acquisition costs, labor, and construction related to improvements of 
the facility for performers and patrons.
  Division F--Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related 
Agencies.
  Project Name: Altoona Regional Health System, Equipment.
  Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Human 
Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Altoona Regional Health System.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $238,000 for Altoona Regional Health System for facilities and 
equipment.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
purchase digital mammography and radiology equipment in preparation for 
developing a breast imaging center. This project will ensure improved 
accessibility for residents in Blair County and surrounding areas to 
state of the art breast imaging to replace traditional film-based 
mammography.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for the 
purchase of digital mammography screening equipment and radiology work 
station equipment. I also understand that the funding provided is only 
a piece of the total funding required for this project and anticipated 
allocations may change.
  Project Name: Nason Hospital, Equipment.
  Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Human 
Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Nason Hospital.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 105 Nason Drive, Roaring Spring, PA 
16673.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $143,000 for Nason Hospital, Roaring Spring, PA for purchase of 
equipment.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
purchase a high definition camera system for orthopedic arthroscopic 
procedures. This equipment will increase productivity within the 
operating room and produce more confident diagnoses, benefiting both 
patients and physicians.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 75 percent of funding 
will be used for equipment and installation and 25 percent of funding 
will be used for a service agreement. I also understand that the 
funding provided is only a piece of the total funding required for this 
project and anticipated allocations may change.
  Project Name: Somerset Hospital, Equipment.
  Account: Department of Health and Human Services, Health and Human 
Services Administration (HRSA)--Health Facilities and Services.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Somerset Hospital.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 225 South Central Avenue, Somerset, PA 
15501.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $190,000 for Somerset Hospital, Somerset, PA for facilities and 
equipment.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
purchase equipment to increase patient safety, enhance efficiency, and 
reduce operational costs. These technology upgrades will greatly 
benefit residents of the Somerset, Pennsylvania area.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 15 percent of funding 
would be used for a pharmacy system/bar coding, approximately 60 
percent of funding would be used for electronic medical records, and 
approximately 25 percent of funding would be used for physician order 
entry system. I also understand that the funding provided is only a 
piece of the total funding required for this project and anticipated 
allocations may change.
  Division I--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and 
Related Agencies
  Project Name: AMTRAN Transit System Improvement.
  Account: Department of Transportation, Buses and Bus Facilities.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: AMTRAN.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 3301 Fifth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $475,000 for Bus Facility, AMTRAN Transit System.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used by 
AMTRAN, the local transit system in Altoona, PA, for improvements to 
their system. Specifically, it is my understanding that these funds 
will be used for a new bus facility.
  It is also my understanding that approximately 40 percent of funding 
will be used for real estate acquisition, approximately 10 percent of 
funding will be used for environmental mitigation, approximately 10 
percent of funding will be used for demolition and site preparation, 
and approximately 40 percent will be used for building renovation. I 
also understand that the funding provided is only a piece of the total 
funding required for this project and anticipated allocations may 
change.
  Project Name: Flight 93 National Memorial, Public Lands 
Transportation Needs.
  Account: Federal Lands (Public Lands Highways).
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: National Park Service.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 109 West Main Street, Suite 104, 
Somerset, PA 15501.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $4.275 million for Flight 93 National Memorial, Public Lands 
Transportation Needs.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used by 
the National Park Service for road, parking, and utility improvements 
related to the Flight 93 National Memorial. The Flight 93 National 
Memorial honors the men and women who gave their lives in the first 
counterattack of the Global War on Terror on September 11, 2001.
  The Flight 93 National Memorial Act (P.L. 107-226) established the 
creation of the Flight 93 National Memorial ``to commemorate the 
passengers and crew of United Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, 
courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned attack on our 
Nation's Capital.''
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used by the National 
Park Service for construction costs.
  Project Name: Hollidaysburg Car Shop Redevelopment Project.
  Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development--Economic 
Development Initiatives.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Altoona-Blair County Development 
Corporation.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 3900 Industrial Park Drive, Altoona, PA 
16602.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $95,000 for transformation of the current facility into one that can 
be utilized for manufacturing, contributing to economic development and 
stimulating job creation.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
support redevelopment efforts for the former Hollidaysburg Car Shop 
property based upon a recently completed redevelopment strategy and 
plan to promote job retention activities and economic development.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for activities 
related to site preparation, building improvements, and environmental 
remediation. I also understand that the funding provided is only a 
piece of the total funding required for this project and anticipated 
allocations may change.
  Project Name: Altoona Recreational Facility.
  Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development--Economic 
Development Initiatives.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Central Blair Recreation and Park 
Commission.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 2101 Fifth Avenue, Altoona, 
Pennsylvania 16602.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $71,250 for development of a multi-faceted outdoor park for the local 
community.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used for 
the development of a multi-faceted outdoor park for the local 
community. The facility will offer a safe and positive environment for 
young people and provide safe alternatives to the temptations of drug 
use, gangs, and violence.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for 
construction and related costs associated with skateboard ramps, 
playground equipment, trails, pavilions, and restroom facilities. I 
also understand that the funding provided is only a piece of the total 
funding required for this project and anticipated allocations may 
change.
  Project Name: Indiana County Business and Industrial Park.
  Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development--Economic 
Development Initiatives.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Indiana County Commissioners.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 825 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 
15701.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $190,000 for acquisition and development of a new pad ready business/
industrial park consisting of approximately 150-200 acres.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used for 
the development of a new industrial park to help serve the growing 
economy of the region. The project will assist in the growth of an 
emerging technology and manufacturing market. I further understand that 
it is estimated the completion of the new industrial park will create 
300 to 500 new jobs.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for all 
development phases including

[[Page E330]]

acquisition, master plan design, engineering, and construction costs. I 
also understand that the funding provided is only a piece of the total 
funding required for this project and anticipated allocations may 
change.
  Project Name: Community Redevelopment and Restoration, Lower 
Fairview.
  Account: Department of Housing and Urban Development--Economic 
Development Initiatives.
  Legal Name of Requesting Entity: The Nehemiah Project.
  Address of Requesting Entity: 800 Valley View Boulevard, Altoona, PA 
16602.
  Description of Request/Justification of Federal Funding:
  $71,250 for redevelopment of buildings in the downtown Lower Fairview 
area of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
  It is my understanding that funding for this project will be used to 
aid in the redevelopment of buildings in the Lower Fairview area of 
Altoona, Pennsylvania.
  Specifically, I understand the project is centered on the 
rehabilitation of an abandoned and condemned church building that used 
to serve as a safe haven for those in need. Once restored, the facility 
will be home to a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of 
area residents and provide tools to put them in a position to succeed 
in the future.
  It is also my understanding that funding will be used for a variety 
of acquisition and construction needs. I also understand that the 
funding provided is only a piece of the total funding required for this 
project and anticipated allocations may change.

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