Extension of Remarks Full-Year Continuing Approriations Act, 2011

The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1) making appropriations for the Department of Defense and the other departments and agencies of the Government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011, and for other purposes:

Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Chair, I wish to express my strong support for the Sustainable Communities Initiative and oppose any cuts to this important economic development program in H.R. 1.

The Sustainable Communities Initiative illustrates a successful partnership among government agencies to invest in our local economies. At a time when there's so much talk of making government work better, this initiative is a shining example of cutting red tape and fostering collaboration among similar community interests.

Through this initiative, the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and the Environmental Protection Agency award competitive grants to communities for innovative projects that connect the creation of good jobs, sustainable housing and efficient modes of transportation.

In just the short time that this initiative has been in existence, it has awarded numerous competitive grants to communities across the country.

In 2010, a total of 630 communities requested $1.2 billion in finding and HUD awarded 61 grants worth $69 million. Clearly, communities see the great potential benefits for the projects funded by this unique initiative.

Although my hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts was not a grantee in the last round of awards, it earned the designation of ``preferred sustainability status.'' Eliminating funding for the Sustainable Communities Initiative would prevent Worcester and dozens of communities across the country from having the opportunity to receive grants to meet their multiple economic, environmental and community needs.

Furthermore, language in H.R. 1 to rescind unobligated funds would threaten projects in communities that were recently awarded grants.

Mr. Chair, cutting funding for the Sustainable Communities Initiative would be harmful to job creation efforts and would take away a vital tool to help communities transition to a 21st century economy.

I urge my colleagues to support the Sustainable Communities Initiative and oppose any cuts to this program.

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