Sean Patrick Maloney: “Mr. Speaker and Chairman Frank, on behalf of New York City, which I represent, I am pleased that the House is…”

“Mr. Speaker and Chairman Frank, on behalf of New York City, which I represent, I am pleased that the House is considering the Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act. I am proud to have been an original cosponsor of this legislation in every session since it was first introduced in the 107th Congress. As you know, the primary purpose of the bill is to increase the flexibility of the Housing and Urban Development Department's Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) and to make the program available to more local Governments. The legislation eliminates the requirement that communities applying for BEDI grants must pledge their Community Block Development Grant (CBDG) funding as security for the loan--a rule that puts local Governments between a rock and a hard place. Since its inception, the larger brownfields program has proven an effective Government response to a serious environmental problem, and it is important that we maximize its use. Brownfields are abandoned, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where further redevelopment is impeded by environmental contamination.”