Rep. Massa helps pass the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act

Press Release

Today Rep. Eric Massa voted to improve our area's schools and create more green jobs in Western New York by helping pass the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act, H.R. 2187. In New York's 29th Congressional District, it is projected that this bill will provide over $9.5 million for green improvements to our local school districts.

You can view a spreadsheet of the funding each school district is projected to receive in NY-29 by clicking here.

This bill passed today by a vote of 275 to 155.

"I'm proud to have helped pass the 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act for several reasons," said Congressman Eric Massa. "To begin with, this bill will invest $9.5 million for green upgrades in schools right here in New York's 29th Congressional District. If signed into law, this bill will help create hundreds of green jobs right here in Western New York while observing Davis-Bacon regulations to ensure fair wages. The American public demanded a new direction for our nation and, by making meaningful investments in our schools and our communities, we are doing just that."
Summary of The 21st Century Green High Performing Public School Facilities Act:

Provide schools with access to funding for modernization, renovation and repair projects

Authorizes $6.4 billion for school facilities projects for fiscal year 2010, and ensures that school districts will quickly receive funds for school modernization, renovation, and repairs that create healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient teaching and learning climates.

Allocates the same percentage of funds to school districts that they receive under Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, except that it guarantees each such district a minimum of $5,000.

Encourage energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources in schools

Requires the majority of funds (100 percent by 2015) to be used for projects that meet green building standards.

Allows states to reserve one percent of funds to administer the program and to develop a plan a statewide database of school facilities, including their modernization and repair needs, energy use, carbon footprints, and an energy efficiency quality plan.

Requires school districts to publicly report the educational, energy and environmental benefits of projects, how they comply with the green building requirements, and the percentage of funds used for projects at low-income, rural and charter schools.

Requires the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, to disseminate best practices in school construction and to provide technical assistance to states and school districts regarding best practices.

Ensure fair wages and benefits for workers by applying Davis-Bacon protections to all grants for school modernization, renovation, and repair projects

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