James M. Jeffords: “Mr. President I join my colleague, Mr. Levin, in commending Senators Smith of New Hampshire, Chafee, Reid, and Boxer for…”

“Mr. President I join my colleague, Mr. Levin, in commending Senators Smith of New Hampshire, Chafee, Reid, and Boxer for their efforts to promote brownfield revitalization. I am a co-sponsor and strong supporter of S. 350, and believe this legislation is long overdue. Senator Levin and I have been working on complementary legislation. The proposal would provide the Economic Development Administration (EDA) with a formal channel of funding to help communities turn brownfields environmental liabilities into economic assets. This legislation would provide targeted assistance to projects that redevelop brownfields. EDA funding for brownfields will help communities get the financial assistance needed to leverage private investment in brownfields. With over 450,000 brownfields sites nationwide, it is imperative that the federal government assist local cleanup efforts that in turn will stimulate economic revitalization. The second legislative proposal addresses requirements on the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grant program that are hampering small city brownfields revitalization efforts.”