| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Marion Berry (AR-01) voted to modernize the nation’s transportation infrastructure and to make needed investments in affordable housing and economic development programs by passing the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill for Fiscal Year 2008. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 268 to 153 and provides funding for highways, airport improvements, housing programs for the elderly and disabled, and other economic development initiatives.
"This bill restores some of the President's biggest cuts to many programs that are important to economic development in Arkansas," said Berry. "In a state where we depend heavily on our transportation infrastructure and where many poor and senior citizens are unable to find affordable housing, this bill will allow these programs to continue. I will always fight to preserve any program that will benefit the families and businesses of the First Congressional District."
The bill provides $50.7 billion in funding and restores many of the President's cuts in transportation and affordable housing programs. These cuts included a 22 percent decrease in airport improvement grants, 50 percent cut in Essential Air Service for rural America, 47 percent cut in housing for people with disabilities and 22 percent cut in housing for seniors.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
Transportation:
- $414 million to improve and maintain Arkansas highway infrastructure
- $1 million for bus and bus facilities for Arkansas transit programs
- $110 million for the Essential Air Service program - benefiting essential air service airports such as Jonesboro Municipal Airport
Affordable Housing:
- $734.5 million for the Section 202 housing program for low-income seniors
- $236.6 million for Section 811 housing program for people with disabilities
- $16.8 million for the Rural Housing and Economic Development program
Economic Development:
- $4 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program
Congressman Berry is a member of the Appropriations Energy and Water, Military Construction, and Transportation Housing and Urban Development subcommittees as well as the Budget Committee.
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