Sean Reyes: “I am obviously pleased, as El Paso is one of the areas that was designated under Round II as an empowerment zone. It is…”

“I am obviously pleased, as El Paso is one of the areas that was designated under Round II as an empowerment zone. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that over the 10-year life of the program, urban empowerment zones were supposed to receive $100 million. However, in fiscal years 1999 and 2000, amounts less than $4 million each year were appropriated for each urban empowerment zone. Moreover, in this fiscal year, up until a few moments ago, we had been led to believe that there were zero dollars for empowerment zones. This is good news for El Paso. It is good news for all the communities that have been counting on and have been planning on a 10-year basis for money for their empowerment zones. Full funding for empowerment zones unleashes tremendous potential for growth and economic development in places like El Paso under Round II.”