[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 53 (Monday, March 30, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E810-E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          EARMARK DECLARATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 30, 2009

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the U.S. House of 
Representatives Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am 
submitting the following information for publication in the 
Congressional Record regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 
1105, the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009:
  (1.) Denton Regional Public Safety Training Facility, Denton, TX--
$500,000--Byrne Discretionary/COPS Technology--Congressman Michael C. 
Burgess
  The purpose of this project is to provide the new Denton Public 
Safety Training Facility with equipment and technology. The requested 
funding will help equip the facility, including fire simulation 
equipment, computerized firearm targeting systems, classroom-based 
virtual reality simulation equipment and administrative/classroom 
multimedia equipment. The total project cost is $19,260,000-$4,452,000 
federal and $14,808,000 City of Denton. The City of Denton has paid 
$2.03 million for the 88-acre site of the facility, $205,000 on the 
master plan for the facility and the City Council has approved 
$12,600,000 to construct the facility.
  City of Denton is located at 215 East McKinney, Denton, TX 76201
  (2.) Central City, Trinity River Water District--$6 million--MRT 
Construction--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is currently 
sponsoring a flood control project in the Central City area of Fort 
Worth, TX. The aging levee system in the Central City area is no longer 
adequate to provide protection to an 800 acre area adjacent to downtown 
Fort Worth. The infrastructure required for the flood control project 
is a 1.5 mile bypass channel (used to divert waters during a flood 
event) and related roads and bridges to span the channel. By providing 
flood control via a bypass channel, the aging industrial area adjacent 
to downtown can be revitalized into a vibrant waterfront community. The 
USACE recommended course of action, as set forth in the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement, combines solutions to flood control, 
transportation, environmental restoration and community redevelopment 
in an integrated, comprehensive plan with multiple partners (state, 
local and federal) collaborating on implementation and funding.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (3.) Upper Trinity River Basin, (USACE)--$382,000--Investigations--
Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The FY 2009 request would be used to complete the Big Fossil Creek 
Watershed Interim Feasibility Study and Regional Resource Inventory and 
initiate two new interim feasibility studies on the Irving Northwest 
Levee and Elm Fork of the Trinity River by developing existing 
conditions for ecologic, engineering, real estate, cultural, and 
hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (4.) Grapevine Lake, USACE, Fort Worth District--$2.692 million--
O&M--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  Grapevine Lake is located in Denton and Tarrant Counties, at river 
mile 11.7 on Denton Creek, Trinity River Basin, near the city of 
Grapevine. The funds in this project request would be used for 
scheduled operations and maintenance, including Murrell Park and 
Rockledge modernization, habitat restoration, repair erosion in 
downstream outlet channel and removal of vegetation.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (5.) Lewisville Dam, USACE, Fort Worth District--$3.81 million--O&M--
Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  This project request and Congressional add is for infrastructure 
repairs. Non-routine maintenance includes repair and expand seepage 
collector system and repair gates, frames and liners. This project 
would also fund scheduled operations and maintenance activities.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (6.) Ray Roberts Lake, USACE, Fort Worth District--$1.35 million--
O&M--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  Ray Roberts is located in Denton, Cook and Grayson Counties, near the 
city of Denton, Texas. The project consists of an earth fill dam, a 100 
foot uncontrolled spillway, and a 13 foot diameter gated conduit 
through the dam with two sluice gates. The proposed use of this funding 
would be for schedule operations and maintenance activities including 
repair service on gate, frames, and liners, repair and expand seepage 
collector system and maintenance of shoreline erosion control.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (7.) Center for Advanced Science and Computer Assisted Modeling 
(CASCAM), University of North Texas--$700,304--Science--Congressman 
Michael C. Burgess
  CASCAM uses computing and modeling to conduct and predict advanced 
scientific laboratory outcomes at reduced cost (chemicals, time) and 
increased safety (reduces need to expose workers to toxic chemicals, 
radioactive materials). Scientific computing allows determination of 
the probability of whether or not two chemicals will explode, become a 
viable pharmaceutical, the next new nanomaterial, or tomorrow's new 
alternate fuel source.
  University of North Texas, located at 1500 Chestnut Street, Denton, 
TX 76203
  (8.) Lewisville Lake, Frisco, Texas, USACE, Fort Worth District--
Section 1135--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  FY 2009 funds would be used to execute the Project Cooperation 
Agreement and fully fund project design and implementation. The 
recommended plan consists of the reforestation of approximately 57 
acres providing linkage among existing riparian and bottomland hardwood 
habitat and the construction of a series of wetland cells comprising a 
total of approximately 39 acres. The total project cost would be shared 
between the Federal Government and the city of Frisco.
  Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District, located at 819 Taylor 
Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102
  (9.) Alliance Airport Runway Extension--$1.75 million--Airport 
Improvement Program--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The Runway Extension Project at Alliance Airport in Denton County 
will lengthen the runways to 11,000 feet and will allow for greater 
utilization of the airfield and provide greater capacity as a reliever 
for DFW International Airport. It will also allow for the cargo 
carriers to safely maximize their loads and not have to compromise 
fuel, cargo or both. The increased growth of the airfield will provide 
many jobs and economic activity. The runway extension project has 
local, regional and national significance and impacts the 
infrastructure around the airport. In addition to the runway extension 
the project will open up the west side of the airport for more airside 
development and improve access to the Alliance Intermodal facility, 
which has already proven economic growth benefits to the entire North 
Texas area. With the advantages of a longer runway at Alliance the 
nation benefits from this premier intermodal industrial facility that 
can serve the world. Total Estimated Project Cost (2007 dollars) 
$216,161,603. Funding for the project has come from a variety of 
sources, primarily from FAA, AIP discretionary grants. City of Fort 
Worth matching funds have come from land credits valued at over $15 
million. Other funding has been obtained for FM 156, specifically, a 
$6.5 million priority project in the 2005 Transportation Authorization 
(TEA-LU) bill and $5.1 in the 2006 Tarrant County Bond Fund.
  Alliance Airport, 2221 Alliance Boulevard, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX 
76177-4300
  (10.) City of Denton, Denton Municipal Airport Improvements--
$570,000--Airport Improvement Program--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The Denton Municipal Airport plays an important role in the regional 
economy, serving as a general aviation hub for North Texas. The City of 
Denton and the Texas Department of Transportation, Aviation, have made 
substantial capital improvements in the Denton Airport in the past five 
years and as a result considerable private development is being 
realized at this field. The City is requesting discretionary funding 
for security enhancements at the Denton Airport. These improvements 
include security fencing and controlled access points to increase 
airport security and wildlife control. This project is recognized in 
the current Airport Master Plan. FAA personnel have identified the lack 
of security fencing as a weakness that needs to be addressed. The 
installation of the security fencing will further facilitate the 
current growth trend on the facility as more and more corporate 
aircraft operators will only utilize secured facilities. The total 
project cost is $1.1 million; the City of Denton will provide a local 
match of $110,000.
  City of Denton is located at 215 East McKinney, Denton, TX 76201
  (11.) Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA)--$475,000--Buses 
and Bus Facilities--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The DCTA is a county transportation authority, and their mission is 
to provide safe, customer-focused, and efficient mobility solutions for 
Denton County, which is a rapidly growing metropolitan area of North 
Texas. The funds will be used to purchase 16 low-emission replacement 
buses, as well as to purchase transit system security and resource 
protection technology and operations and maintenance facility 
equipment. All of these improvements are needed to enhance DCTA's bus 
transit service to meet current and future demands. This project is 
vitally important to meeting their

[[Page E811]]

goals to improve mobility and air quality, reduce congestion and 
enhance the safety, security, reliability and cost-effectiveness of 
public transportation in Denton County. The finance plan is to match 
all federal dollars with DCTA local funds on an 80-20 basis and to 
complete all purchases in FY 2009.
  Denton County Transportation Authority is located at 1660 S. 
Stemmons, Suite 250, Lewisville, TX 75067
  (12.) Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Fleet Replacement and 
Expansions--$1.425 million--Buses and Bus Facilities--Congressman 
Michael C. Burgess
  The Fort Worth Transportation Authority (``The T'') is seeking 
federal funding to purchase 20 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) coaches to 
replace the oldest vehicles in The T's fleet. Approximately 20,000 
passengers travel on The T's bus system each weekday and they ride a 
fleet of vehicles that accumulate over 1 million revenue miles per 
year. Wear and tear on each bus is substantial which leads to the need 
for timely replacement to avoid service interruptions and increasing 
maintenance and repair costs. This bus replacement purchase is 
consistent with The T's plan for fleet upgrades. The buses purchased 
will be wheel chair accessible and fueled with clean-burning CNG. The 
buses will also be installed with cameras for improved passenger and 
driver security.
  The Fort Worth Transportation Authority is located at 1600 E 
Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, TX 76102
  (13.) City of Fort Worth, Interstate 35 Improvement Act--$1.8 
million--Interstate Maintenance Discretionary--Congressman Michael C. 
Burgess
  This funding will provide for the design and environmental work of 
the initial phase of the improvement of this section of I-35W to 
provide congestion and air quality relief. I-35 impacts the 
transportation needs, both personal and commercial, of the entire 
central United States. The improvement and expansion of I-35W from 
downtown Fort Worth to its intersection with I-35E in Denton will serve 
to significantly enhance private and commercial access to the important 
central city renewal work of the Trinity River Vision project.
  The City of Fort Worth is located at 1000 Throckmorton Street, Fort 
Worth, TX 76102
  (14.) Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, TX--$142,000--Economic 
Development Initiatives--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  This request is the second phase of the Rosedale Plan which calls for 
renovation and reconstruction of the historic Dillow House, long a part 
of Texas Wesleyan life through its history as classrooms, housing, 
offices, and an alumni center. The University will use this facility as 
the permanent house for its Business Incubation Center sponsored and 
supported by its School of Business, and also as a meeting place for 
alumni and community. Additional funding will be used for student 
housing to be built along Rosedale, which will provide much needed 
housing for students and their families. Funding will also be used to 
create green spaces that will provide parks for the community and the 
University. The University will create attractive fencing to help 
define the neighborhood borders and will provide security for this 
designated area through its on-campus security force.

  Texas Wesleyan University Rosedale Avenue Redevelopment Initiative 
                               2009-2010


                             PROJECT BUDGET

A. Historic Dillow House Renovation
    Asbestos abatement..........................................$75,000
    Renovation and code compliance..............................800,000
    Technology and access/parking...............................125.000
                                                       ________________
                                                       
                                                              1,000,000
B. Additional Student Housing--Family Housing (20 units)
    Architecture, fees, permits.................................150,000
    Construction..............................................2,400,000
    Amenities and site work.....................................350.000
                                                       ________________
                                                       
                                                             $2,900,000
C. Park Creation, Fencing, Outdoor Meeting Spaces
    Construction................................................300,000
                                                       ________________
                                                       
      Complete Project........................................4,200,000

  Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) is located at 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort 
Worth, TX 76105
  (15.) Stop Six Community Go Center, Fort Worth ISD and Fort Worth 
Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce--$95,000--Elementary and 
Secondary Education (FIE)--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The Stop Six Community Go Center provides a safe environment in which 
students can explore higher education and career options, financial aid 
resources, apply for scholarships and receive counseling services to 
assist in facilitating a seamless transition from high school to 
college. This funding will help the Go Center hire another academic 
advisor and a security guard.
  Total project costs equate to $134,600. That will be monetary or in-
kind contributions.

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce...................................$5,000
Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD)....................5,000
University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC).........18,000
Department of Defense, (donated computers)........................5,000
AB Christian Learning Center, Cash on hand........................5,000
                                                       ________________
                                                       
                                                                 38,000

  AB Christian Learning Center, (Stop Six Community Go Center) is 
located at 5009 Brentwood Stair Rd., Suite #101, Fort Worth, TX 76112; 
mailing address: P.O. Box 54456, Hurst, TX 76054
  (16.) City of Fort Worth, Early Childhood Development Program--
$285,000--Administration for Children and families (ACF)-Social 
Services--Congressman Michael C. Burgess
  The City of Fort Worth, Texas seeks $900,000 to support key projects 
that will significantly advance the Early Childhood Matters Initiative. 
Early Childhood Matters, a community initiative led by the City that 
impacts the entire region, will help coordinate resources and programs 
to benefit children up to 5 years of age. Training and materials from 
Early Childhood Resource Centers will be used by parents and child care 
providers. The funds will be used to continue two existing early 
childhood resource centers and start up two new locations in facilities 
in high-need neighborhoods. Each neighborhood resource center provides 
training, support, educational materials and leadership development for 
parents, children, and child care staff. Together, the 4 resource 
centers will reach 500 parents, 280 child care staff, and 1,200 
children under five years old. Each $1 expended for early childhood 
training will result in savings of $7 per child due to children not 
being retained a year at school, taking special education classes, or 
dropping out of school. A multi-goal Community Action Plan for Early 
Childhood was approved by City Council in October 2004 and has been 
endorsed by more than 30 community partners, including the Fort Worth 
Independent School District (FWISD). Initially, a Health and Human 
Services Early Learning Opportunities Act grant for $687,000 along with 
the additional sum of $125,000 in local matching funds and in-kind 
contributions enabled this program to establish base of operation. Upon 
receipt of the funding, 1,100 neighborhood families and 80 child care 
center employees would participate within the first 12 months.
  The City of Fort Worth is located at 1000 Throckmorton St., Fort 
Worth, TX 76102
  (17). Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia 
Practice Initiative--$247,000--Health Resources and Services 
Administration (HRSA)-Health Facilities and Services--Congressman 
Michael C. Burgess
  This project will support TWU's new doctorate program of nurse 
anesthesia practice--the second doctoral program of its kind in the 
United States, and the only program to be offered 100 percent online--
originating from the main campus of Texas Wesleyan University. The 
objective is to develop a distance learning program that will provide 
extended education to full-time employed Certified Registered Nurse 
Anesthetists who are located in rural or metropolitan areas of the 
United States. This project provides education via new technologies, 
including distance learning methodologies, and addresses the Health 
People 2010 goal set by HHS to eliminate health disparities. The total 
project cost is $1.86 million; $1.5 federal/$360,000 private.
  Texas Wesleyan University (TWU) is located at 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort 
Worth, TX 76105

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