[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[House]
[Pages 24342-24351]
[From the U.S. 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.

[[Page 24343]]

       ``(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.

     ``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.

[[Page 24344]]



     ``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.
       ``(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.

[[Page 24345]]



     ``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 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

[[Page 24346]]

     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.

     ``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.

[[Page 24347]]

       ``(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)--
       (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

[[Page 24348]]

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 2 to 3 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 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

[[Page 24349]]

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 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.

[[Page 24350]]

  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 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

[[Page 24351]]

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 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.

                          ____________________