John Katko: “Representing central New York, the issue of blighted properties and contaminated land that remain from previous…”

“Representing central New York, the issue of blighted properties and contaminated land that remain from previous industrial hubs is all too familiar to me. The brownfields program has been pivotal in the redevelopment and reuse of previously uninhabitable and unusable properties throughout my district. Earlier this year, I worked with Congresswoman Esty to advance brownfields reauthorization legislation through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I am proud to now see this bipartisan comprehensive bill advancing through the House. This measure contains many of the important reforms authored by Representative Esty and myself, including language clarifying liability for local governments and lease holders, and expanding eligibility to assessments and remediation grants. These provisions are intended to increase the effectiveness of brownfields grants and will lead to faster cleanups. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Esty, Chairman Shuster of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, his staff, and Representative McKinley for working to advance this important legislation to preserve and enhance this critical program. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.”