For Immediate Release
April 3, 2008 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Cullen Schwarz
Office: 202.225.4961
Mobile: 202.225.0471 |
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Rep. Levin Supports Full Disclosure of Congressional Earmark Requests
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Releases Project-Specific Appropriations Requests for FY 2009 |
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On the first day of the 110th Congress, the New Majority in the House adopted rules that require Members requesting an earmark to disclose in writing the name and address of the intended recipient and the purpose of the earmark, and certify the Member (and his or her spouse) has no financial interest in the request.
Rep. Levin is voluntarily publishing all of his requests to provide an additional layer of transparency. The rules of the House require disclosure of only those earmarks that receive funding.
A Member request is just the first step in the process. Going forward, each appropriations subcommittee must approve legislation under their jurisdiction for consideration by both the House and the Senate. The competition for project-specific funding is intense, and what project-specific requests might be successful and the final amount that will be appropriated for each project is not known until much later in the year towards the end of the annual budget approval process.
Levin Supported Projects
These projects represent important local infrastructure investments in homeland security, clean water, education, transportation and targeted community investment.
The requests below are listed by Appropriations Subcommittee, in alphabetical order. Except in rare circumstances, which are noted, the policy of Mr. Levin is not to submit project-specific requests for private sector entities.
Defense
Automation Alley’s Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) Case Resolution Program. The $5 million requested would significantly reduce the Army’s costs for weapon systems sustainment by developing a center for directing the researching of DMSMS cases, designing engineering solutions and testing alternatives for obsolete parts. This request responds to a longstanding problem of obtaining hard-to-find parts for our military vehicles, especially electronic components for the older vehicles. In some cases, the company that made the original part does not even exist anymore. The entity to receive funding for this project is Automation Alley, a consortium of business, government and education leaders, headquartered in Troy, Michigan. The DMSMS project will be housed at the Delphi Corp. leased laboratory facility in Shelby Township.
Dynamometer Facility Upgrade Program at the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, AVL North America. The $4.25 million requested would replace TARDEC’s dynamometer, a machine used to measure torque and rotational speed from which power produced by an engine, motor or other rotating prime mover can be calculated. The current U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) dynamometer facility is outdated and cannot meet the increasing and varied testing requirements of the Army. This upgrade will provide the Army with the ability to evaluate the range of current, interim, and future conventional and hybrid electric power trains and their components. Additionally, this improved dynamometer facility will contribute to a shortened development cycle for new vehicles by allowing for the modeling and evaluation of multiple proposed design solutions in different theoretical battlefield conditions without the necessity to build numerous prototype vehicles. AVL North America of Plymouth, Michigan has significant experience with dynamometer installation.
Lawrence Technological University (LTU) in Southfield, Michigan for Vehicle Armor Structure Development and Testing for Future Combat Systems and Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The $2 million request would be used to build on Lawrence Tech’s work with TARDEC in the full-scale development, testing, and application of innovative (light-weight composite) materials for lightweight vehicle armor. The funding would be used to build an environmental test chamber that will enable full- and partial-scale vehicle and composite armor testing under harsh conditions including salt spray, salt water, solar/UV light, relative humidity, and sad attack in addition to freezing, thawing, and dry heat, could with a broad range of impact, sustained, and fatigue loadings.
Mobile Manufacturing and Repair Cell/Engineering Education Outreach Program, Focus: HOPE. A number of studies have determined that DoD and its supporting industrial base are facing an impending shortfall of trained scientists, engineers and technicians in areas critical to national security. This $3 million request is intended to help address a subset of that problem – the production of the next generation of minority engineers and technicians. The program would survey DoD and defense industrial base workforce gaps for manufacturing technologists and engineers over the next 10 years. It would collaborate with partner universities to develop educational modules, teaching aids, and curricula that would help ensure the success of certified manufacturing/machinists and engineers at associates and baccalaureate, as well as graduate levels in engineering topic areas specifically designed to address defense needs.
Naval Sea Cadet Corps Operational Funding. The $300,000 increase in the Bush Administration’s FY 2009 request would support this nationally organized, federally funded youth program in cooperation with the U.S. Navy. The program encourages teens ages 11-17 to develop an interest in basic seamanship, foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training and guide them to becoming mature young adults. The program instills in every cadet qualities that mold strong character in an anti-drug and anti-gang environment. The Navy League established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps in 1958.
Interior/EPA
George W. Kuhn Collection System Improvements, Oakland County Drain Commissioner, Michigan. The $1 million requested would help eliminate sewage contributions from older urban areas of Oakland County. The funding is focused on identifying and correcting sewers that have illicit discharges into the storm drains leading to Clinton River and Lake St. Clair.
Huron-Erie Corridor Initiative, U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center. This $750,000 request seeks to restore critical fish spawning and nursery habitats in the Detroit River. The habitat was largely destroyed when this river (along with the St. Clair River) was dredged to accommodate large ships; as a result, fish and wildlife populations and their habitats are impaired in the Detroit River and St. Clair River Areas of Concern. This request would rebuild fish spawning habitat to restore native fish populations and improve and enhance sport and commercial fisheries in the Huron-Erie Corridor. The Huron-Erie Corridor supports the largest sport fishery in the Great Lakes – a $4 billion industry. The program is authorized in the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 2006.
Lake Huron to Lake Erie Water Monitoring and Protection Network, Macomb County Health Department. This $1.15 million request would continue and enhance the system of drinking water monitoring at water intakes from Lake Huron to Lake Erie. These monitors alert drinking water system operators to potentially dangerous contaminants from chemical spills and sewage releases upstream.
Southeastern Macomb Water Quality Improvement, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner. This $2.75 million request would help upgrade the Chapaton Retention Treatment Basin in St. Clair Shores and improve water quality in the Lake St. Clair watershed.
U.S. Geological Survey’s Great Lakes Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. This $13.25 million request would be used for continuing the Great Lakes Science Center’s long-term monitoring of fish stocks.
Energy & Water
Clinton River Environmental Restoration, Macomb County Public Works Commissioner. This $100,000 request would initiate a feasibility study on the Clinton River to investigate the operation and control of the flood control weir located at the diversion channel; the structural integrity of the weir; channel banks; and the hydraulic and sediment deposition impacts of the Clinton River.
Electronic Dispersal Barriers in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, Corps of Engineers. This $6.75 million request would be used for the operation of both dispersal barriers and begin construction of the conversion of Barrier 1 into a permanent barrier. The barriers are keeping the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
George W. Kuhn Drain Project, Office of the Oakland County Drain Commissioner. The $1 million requested would be used for the Kuhn Drain - Red Run Restoration. The funding would be used for eliminating excess flow of storm water into the Kuhn Drain basin.
Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration program, Corps of Engineers. This $4.5 million request would be used to plan, implement, and evaluate projects supporting the restoration of the fishery, ecosystem, and beneficial uses of the Great Lakes.
Implementing the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair Comprehensive Management Plan, Army Corps of Engineers. This $700,000 request would provide initial funding to the Corps of Engineers’ to initiate restoration projects in Lake St. Clair consistent with Lake St. Clair/St. Clair River Comprehensive Management Plan. This was authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007.
Macomb Community College Transportation and Energy Technology. This $500,000 request would help create a 21st Century alternative energy learning environment by updating infrastructure, replacing and adding solar panels, replacing wind-powered generators, and installing emerging energy systems.
Preliminary Work of the Army Corps of Engineers to implement the St. Clair River/Lake St. Clair Management Plan, Army Corps of Engineers. This $200,000 request would provide funding to the Corps of Engineers’ investigations account for the Corps to carry out the partnership of Federal and State agencies in the management of the St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair watersheds and to develop a strategic implementation plan.
Remedial Action Plans (RAP) Committees, Corps of Engineers. This $4 million request would be used to allow the Corps of Engineers to provide technical support to states and local organizations in the development and implementation of Remedial Action Plans in Areas of Concern, including the Clinton River AOC.
Military Construction
Access Control Point for Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan. This $4.4 million project is required to provide initial security screening for commercial vehicles entering the installation. These facilities are required to provide screening in accordance with the Department of the Installation Access Control Program Standards. Currently, commercial vehicles are forced to enter Detroit Arsenal at the Primary Access Control Point. This gate is the main entrance to the installation and is best suited to handle non-commercial traffic. If this project is not provided, lack of a commercial vehicle entrance that meets current Department of the Army Access Control Standards will degrade the effectiveness of vehicle screening at Detroit Arsenal, especially as BRAC related construction at the installation commences in FY09. This situation could result in increased risk to the safety and security of installation personnel, visitors, and facilities.
Commerce, Justice, State
Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. This $12 million request would be used for a variety of ongoing research including invasive species, climate change, and hydrologic processes.
Great Lakes Observing System, Great Lakes Commission. This $3 million request would be used for an intensive monitoring program to provide real-time data about water conditions in the Great Lakes.
Macomb County Emergency Operations Center. This $650,000 request would help create a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts in local communities. Funding would go toward communication equipment and technological enhancements, including a secondary dispatch center for the County Sheriff’s Office, audio/visual equipment, a building security system, a generator, and workstations.
Macomb County Information Technology. This $1.1 million request would go toward the hardware, software, and equipment for a county-wide video conferencing system that would make use of the high-speed fiber optic network the County has built.
South Macomb County Regional Dispatch Consolidation. This $1.25 million request would enable four cities (Eastpointe, Harper Woods, Roseville, and St. Clair Shores) to form a regional police and fire dispatch authority. Consolidation of seven separate dispatch centers under one authority would offer greater efficiency and increase productivity. The project would involve reconfiguration of the dispatch center in Roseville, the purchase of additional dispatch radios, improvements to the 911 phone system, and installation of additional computer terminals.
Transportation/HUD
Charter Township of Clinton Downtown Development Authority, for streetscape improvements, Clinton Township. This $200,000 request would be used to make streetscape improvements on Gratiot Avenue at the intersections of Gratiot Avenue and 14 Mile Road, Gratiot and 15 Mile Road, and Gratiot and 16 Mile Road. In November 2005, the Clinton Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) completed a revitalization plan for the Gratiot Avenue corridor in the Township to promote economic development in the downtown area.
Charter Township of Royal Oak, for architectural and design phase of a municipal complex and recreation center, Royal Oak Township, MI. This $638,000 request would be used to begin design and engineering on a new Municipal Center for Royal Oak Township. The planned uses for the new facility include offices for the Township Administration and a Recreation and Senior Center.
City of Southfield, for construction of Bridge Street Bridge, Southfield, MI. This $2.3 million request would be used to construct and deploy the first ever short span Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Bridge to replace a seriously dilapidated conventional bridge. This project would replace the existing 61 year old steel and concrete single span bridge carrying Beech Road over the Rouge River between Nine Mile and Shiawassee with a new state-of-the-art bridge using Box Beam with an MDOT approved reinforced and pre-stressed with CFRP instead of conventional epoxy coated steel.
Covenant House, for Infrastructure Upgrades, Including Emergency Back-Up Generators, Detroit, MI. This $500,000 request would be use by Covenant House Michigan (CHM) to make infrastructure and technology upgrades to its facility, including back-up generators, emergency lighting, wiring upgrades, and computers. CHM provides homeless, runaway and at-risk youth with education and vocational programs as well as other support services to help them toward a path to meaningful and successful adulthood.
Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, to conduct an alternatives analysis of the US-Canada trade corridor, Detroit, MI. This $250,000 request would be used to conduct an alternatives analysis of the US & Canada trade corridor. This study will evaluate the flow of people and goods through the corridor and develop alternative ways to facilitate movement through the regional infrastructure.
Holy Cross Children’s Services, for the Edward J. Overstreet Center for Research Excellence in Child and Family Services, Clinton, MI. This $250,000 request would be used to support activities of Edward J. Overstreet Center for Research Excellence in Child and Family Services, including analysis of data related to children and family services, evaluation of outcomes related to services for children and families and analysis/recommendations related to policies effecting children and families.
Lawrence Technological University, for New Generation of Transportation Bridges and Infrastructure Program, Southfield, MI. This $2 million request would be used for Lawrence Technological University in Southfield Michigan to develop A New Generation of Transportation Bridges and Infrastructure that includes the design of new ultra high modulus, high strength concrete (20,000-30,000 psi versus 3,000 psi that is commonly used today), in combination with non-corrosive carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for building and reinforcing concrete bridges that will significantly extend their longevity, reduce life-cycle repair and maintenance costs, save taxpayer money, and be substantially safer for motorists.
Michigan Department of Transportation, for the rehabilitation of US-24 between 8 Mile Road and 12 Mile Road, Southfield, MI. This $9 million request would be used for rehabilitation of US-24 from 8 Mile Road to 12 Mile Road in Southfield, MI, including patching existing concrete roadway and overlay with asphalt, curb and gutter repairs, ADA sidewalk ramp upgrades, traffic signals, signs, pavement markings, guardrail, and drainage improvements.
Oakland County Department of Planning and Economic Development, for the creation of a Business Accelerator as part of the Southeast Michigan Regional Innovation Network, Waterford, MI. The $1.25 million requested would be used to create a specialized 21,000 sq. ft. facility, the OU INC-Troy Wet Lab and Advanced Manufacturing Incubator, offering wet lab and advanced manufacturing incubator space to entrepreneurs utilizing Oakland University’s commercial services, which are provided through the OU INCubator, Oakland University’s SmartZone Business Incubator (“OU INC”).
Road Commission for Oakland County, expansion of Southfield Rd., Southfield, MI. This $9.6 million request would be used to reconstruct and expand Southfield Road to a six-lane Boulevard between 10 Mile Road and 11 Mile Road (one mile).
Road Commission for Oakland County, signal system upgrade on Lahser Rd., Southfield, MI. This $1.2 million request would be used to make Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) upgrades to the signal system on Lahser Road from 9 Mile Road to 12 Mile Road (3 miles). The signals will be upgraded to SCATS/FAST-TRAC.
Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transit (SMART), for replacement of bus engines, Detroit, MI. This $8.9 million request would be used to replace the engines in up to 180 buses in the SMART fleet. Replacement of the engines will improve fleet reliability, reduce maintenance costs, and improve passenger safety.
The Detroit Zoo, for facilities upgrades to house Academy for Humane Education programs, Royal Oak, MI. This $320,000 request would be used by the Detroit Zoo for facilities upgrades and equipment for the Detroit Zoo’s Academy for Humane Education program. The Detroit Zoo created the Academy for Humane Education (AHE) in 2002 to promote humane education so that children develop life-long interest and appreciation for the important relationship between animals and humans. In 2005, the Zoo presented 177 AHE programs to 4,500 students and adults covering four Southeast Michigan counties. In 2007, the Zoo offered 229 programs to more than 11,000 students and adults in a 10-county area. Programs are offered through outreach initiatives, teacher training, and on-site experiences at the Zoo.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan , for Construction of Wheelchair Ramps at Low-Income Households, Detroit, MI. This $400,000 request would be used by United Way to build wheelchair ramps in the homes of disabled individuals who cannot afford to pay for them. The requested funding will enable United Way to build 114 ramps in the 12th Congressional District of Michigan.
Warren Parks and Recreation Department, for renovation of the Fitzgerald Recreation Center, Warren, Michigan. This $200,000 request would be used to reopen and renovate the Fitzgerald Recreation Center, located in the south end of Warren, Michigan. This area is in one of the City’s older neighborhoods which needs additional recreation opportunities. The building would be operated as a Senior Center and community building, and would be available for youth and adult programs when the seniors are not using the facility. The building needs extensive updating, including the installation of a handicapped ramp, flooring, refinishing the gym, abatement of asbestos and mold, furnace renovation, and roof work.
Financial Services
Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, for the creation of a Macomb County Business Accelerator as part of the Southeast Michigan Regional Innovation Network. This $500,000 request would be used by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development for facilities renovations necessary for the creation of a Macomb County Business Accelerator. The requested funding will be used to make renovations to the interior of an existing facility to house the planned Accelerator, including the partitioning of space, interior refurbishment, and the purchase of equipment. The renovation costs may also include construction of wet lab space and testing facilities.
Labor/HHS/Education
City of Warren Library, Warren, Michigan. This $180,000 request would help the Warren Library system provide residents with, books, audio-visual, electronic media, materials and services to meet the special needs of the city’s diverse population, especially in the area of children’s literacy materials and programs.
Covenant House Michigan’s Mental Health Services to Homeless Youth. This $600,000 request would be accompanied by $400,000 in matching funds to add non-site, dedicated mental health services for at-risk youth. Few facilities in Detroit are designed to meet the needs of homeless youth, who fall through the cracks between childhood and adulthood. This funding would allow CHM to add dedicated mental health services for at risk youth by hiring two mental health nurse practitioners to provide assistance for current CHM residents. These nurses would also help train CHM staff on proper diagnosis and treatment.
Family Caregiver Project, Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. This $400,000 request would enable the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit to create a Family Caregiver Access Network (FCAN) that would provide assessment and support to family caregivers. The services the FCAN project will provide would help relieve the burden of care giving and thus enable families to keep their loved ones at home. FCAN will provide an innovative, replicable model to improve family caregiver health by increasing service usage and avoiding institutionalization.
Henry Ford Diabetes Care and Support Program. This $300,000 request would allow Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Warren to launch a Diabetes Care and Support program. The project will leverage the hospital's electronic medical record and patient website capability to identify patients with diabetes who are most appropriate for the planned interventions and obtain data for patient care. Diabetes care and support interventions including care management, group education sessions, and provider education will be developed and implemented.
Macomb Community College Curriculum Development. This $500,000 request would be used by Macomb Community College to develop a curriculum for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Energy Management, with concentrations in wind energy, bio-fuels and materials, solar and geothermal energy, and facilities management for energy efficiency. Graduates would be qualified for both immediate technical jobs and continuing education toward a baccalaureate degree.
Oakland Community College Emerging Sectors Program. This $425,000 request would go toward Oakland Community College’s efforts to establish a consortium of educational institutions in Oakland County and southeastern Michigan to support the Emerging Sectors initiative of Oakland County government. The purpose of the initiative is to attract companies with an assurance of full access to training and other education resources to create the skilled workforce needed for these high-wage, high–skill occupations. The educational consortium will work collaboratively to identify existing training assets, assess future training needs of emerging sector companies and model the most effective and efficient credentialing and delivery systems for workforce training and education.
Oakland Community College International Education. This $500,000 request would help Oakland Community College develop a national model international education program for community colleges. Traditional international education programs for four-year colleges and universities do not work well in the community college environment. The program being proposed is designed to meet the unique needs of community college faculty and students. A successful program would serve as a pilot program to be expanded to other community colleges.
Spaulding Strengthening Social Services to Children at Risk Program. This $400,000 request would allow Spaulding for Children, a children’s welfare agency in Southfield that provides direct services to children, to develop a child welfare education curriculum to train social work students and professionals. The training will be geared towards helping social workers build the skills necessary to properly and effectively handle the challenging and heavy case loads in the child welfare field. The curriculum will be piloted to 120 students, consisting of undergraduate, graduate and social work professionals.
United Way Communities of Early Learning Initiative. This $400,000 request would implement United Way’s Communities of Early Learning (CEL) initiative, which has been designed to strengthen and enhance the ability of local communities to provide high-quality care and education to at-risk children up to six years of age. This funding would be used to establish two CEL centers in Warren and one in Oak Park to train and mentor a total of 400 to 600 care and education providers. Funding will also be used to develop evaluation tools to measure the success of those in the program.
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