Daniel Hamburg: “Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Hefley amendment. The EDA is particularly important today as we…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Hefley amendment. The EDA is particularly important today as we struggle to adjust to profound changes in two major sectors of our economy: our rural, resource-based economy, and our military economy. The EDA is playing a lead role in the defense conversion process, a role that will grow more important as more communities face base closure. To terminate this agency is to greatly endanger the ability of base closure communities to adapt to new economic realities. This reauthorization increases the agency's flexibility in responding to immediate needs faced by communities whose economies are linked to defense conversion efforts. This bill will allow communities, like Fairfield and Napa in the vicinity of Mare Island Naval Shipyard, to receive economic development grants through title IX before they have clear title to the land. With title IX grants, local communities can invest in infrastructure improvements without delay and avoid the deterioration accelerated by vacancy. This bill will also guarantee assistance of a resident EDA defense conversion expert for each State facing base closures: an expert to help communities through the process. EDA will funnel $80 million to hard-hit communities specifically for defense conversion assistance. EDA's role is a key component of our national strategy to convert our economy from reliance on defense investment.”