[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 1304]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   COPPER BASIN JOBS PROJECT AND FOUR FORESTS RESTORATION INITIATIVE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona. Madam Speaker, as we face the challenges 
of a stalled economy and a record debt, it is critically important that 
we find ways to create jobs without spending millions of dollars. I 
rise today in support of large scale job creating projects in greater 
Arizona that would require Federal action, not Federal money: the 
Copper Basin Jobs Project and the Four Forests Restoration Initiative.
  The Copper Basin Jobs Project will create more than 1,000 well-
paying, 21st century jobs in District 1, jump-starting our recovery and 
diversifying our economy. The Four Forests Restoration Initiative would 
create more than 600 jobs across greater Arizona, revitalizing key 
industries while preserving our environment and protecting our 
communities from wildfires.
  These projects will produce new opportunities for our families, and 
serve as economic engines for my district and the entire State. They 
will attract new businesses and investment, creating jobs, not 
handouts. That is why they have both earned support from across the 
region, across the State, and across party lines.
  Last week I had the opportunity to share the value of these projects 
with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. We traveled across greater 
Arizona to meet with stakeholders on each project and visit with folks 
in the communities that will benefit from these projects. It was a real 
milestone for our efforts. Arizonans were able to make their voices 
heard on the projects and let the Secretary know about the positive 
impact they could have on our economy.
  Along with the communities, I would like to thank the Secretary for 
his time. I hope his trip helped him gain a better understanding of 
these projects and what they can do for Arizona. Efforts like these 
will help in the downturn and get folks back to work. Creating jobs has 
to be our top priority. And these projects are my top priority.

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