Frank Lautenberg: “I rise to speak on the bill to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration, EDA, which provides critical support…”

“I rise to speak on the bill to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration, EDA, which provides critical support to needed communities. Since its establishment, the Economic Development Administration has invested over $18 billion in more than 50,000 projects in all parts of the United States. These investments have been supplemented by matching funds from investment partners, and have leveraged a great deal of investment by the private sector. The reauthorization bill before us today includes assistance for the productive use of abandoned industrial facilities and the redevelopment of brownfields. I support that effort. While the Environmental Protection Agency's role under the 2002 law is to facilitate the environmental assessment and cleanup of abandoned brownfield sites, EDA's role is to encourage the economic reuse of the property. Under this bill, Federal funds provided by EDA for assessment or cleanup will only be provided consistent with the 'Polluter Pays' principle. That is, funds will not be provided to those who are responsible for the pollution. They are responsible for cleaning up the mess they made.”