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Van Hollen Applauds Congressional Investments in Public Safety, Transportation, and Environmental Protection


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Washington, Dec 11, 2009 -

Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement on House passage of the FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

“The FY 2010 Consolidated Appropriations Act makes targeted investments in areas that will help boost our economy and builds on our strategic economic plan to provide short-term help for the hardest hit Americans during this economic crisis.  I am particularly pleased with the investments this legislation makes in education, including $550,000 for the Montgomery College Bioscience Center, public safety, transportation, and the environment.

“This bill includes $800,000 in critical funding to improve public safety technology in Rockville, Colmar Manor, and Prince George’s County.  It will allow police and first responders to serve our communities better and keep us safe.  It also invests $2.7 million in the Bi-County Gang Prevention and Suppression Task Force, which is critical to combating the gang violence that continues to plague our community.  Gang violence has taken too many lives and destroyed too many families and, in cooperation with law enforcement and human services officials, we are working hard to change that and to keep our communities safe.

“In keeping with our continued effort to improve infrastructure in our state, I have worked to secure $4.4 million in federal funds for BRAC-related transportation improvements in connection with the construction of a world class Walter Reed Military Medical Center at the site of the National Naval Medical Center.  I am also pleased that the bill provides $3 million for the Purple Line project for planning and development.  This important transit project must be developed in a manner that protects the integrity of the Capital Crescent Trail and the neighborhoods along the transit corridor.  Not only will these investments help mitigate traffic, they will help bolster the economy and create jobs in our state.  This bill also includes $150 million for WMATA, which is critical for improving the safety and efficiency of the public transportation system for area commuters and visitors to the capital region.

“As part of our effort to protect our environment and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay – our nation’s largest estuary – my colleagues and I have secured over $3 million for restoration and analysis efforts.  President Obama has made improving the Bay a priority for our entire nation, and this funding will support our joint efforts to improve this critical body of water.

“The Consolidated Appropriations Act helps us create jobs in Maryland and across America by bringing much-needed immediate relief to our families and making targeted investments to grow our economy.  I am proud to have joined my colleagues in supporting this important legislation.”

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