WASHINGTON, DC (February 25, 2010) -
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) will provide testimony before the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management requesting reauthorization for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) with $500 million in funding due to the agency's importance to the nation's economic recovery. The hearing, titled “EDA: Lessons Learned from the Recovery Act and New Plans to Strengthen Economic Development,?will be held at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 25 at 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.
St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley will testify on behalf of IEDC. The testimony will include case studies from the St. Louis region that are representative of the positive impact EDA is having on IEDC members and communities around the county. Also included in the written testimony are case studies of communities that have received Recovery Act funding through EDA.
Mr. Dooley will provide the Subcommittee with several recommendations to reauthorize and strengthen EDA. Among his recommendations are:
* Provide $500 million in funding upon reauthorization to give EDA the resources to further economic recovery in communities across the nation.
* Augment EDA staff to replenish the personnel resources that have diminished over the past several years.
* Position EDA as the lead agency in economic recovery following disasters as EDA has the experience working with the private and a more comprehensive view of economic development than any other federal agency.
* Review the definition of “distressed?and ease match requirements to ensure that communities that have been suddenly and severely impacted by the economic downturn are eligible to receive necessary assistance.
* Continue support for regional initiatives to ensure communities and regions are globally competitive.
Also appearing before the Subcommittee are The Honorable John R. Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Economic Development Administration; Mr. Larry Molnar, President, Educational Association of University Centers; Mr. Jay Newcomb, Council President, Dorchester County Council; Michael Norton, Executive Director, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, National Association of Development Organizations; and Mr. Chris Masingill, Office of the Governor, Arkansas.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the premier membership organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,600 members, IEDC represents the largest network of economic development professionals in the world. IEDC provides a diverse range of services, including conferences, certification, professional development, publications, research, advisory services and legislative tracking. For more information about IEDC visit www.iedconline.org. |
