Norton Announces Federal Funding Sources for Eastern Market (5/18/07)
Norton Announces Federal Funding Sources for Eastern Market
May 18, 2007
Washington, DC-As Mayor Adrian Fenty broke ground today on a temporary site for Eastern Market, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said that she is seeking federal money from two sources--a special appropriation for the Market in this year's appropriation, as well as a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which falls under the subcommittee she chairs (Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee), to help rebuild the popular, historic market. Norton, who lives a few blocks from the Capitol Hill market, began looking for federal funding right after the April 30th
fire and toured the damage with other members of Congress just days later. She subsequently had staff notify EDA officials, who were receptive to Norton's proposal for assistance to help rebuild the market. They are awaiting an application from the city. EDA is a federal agency whose purpose is to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to urban and rural areas experiencing high unemployment, low income levels, or other severe economic distress. The Congresswoman believes that funding is available from still other federal sources, which she also is exploring.
"I am very pleased that Mayor Fenty is moving quickly to provide a way to resume full time market operations, especially for the many vendors who must have refrigeration for fresh beef, fish and poultry, the mainstay of the market," Norton said. As much as residents feel the loss of the market, we must remember first and foremost that it is the vendors who have lost everything."
A 30-year resident of Capitol Hill, Norton routinely visits Eastern Market on Saturdays to shop for fresh produce and meats, and other items distinctive to the unique market. The market is also a place where she can talk with constituents about their concerns and issues of the day. However, she said, "Eastern Market is much more than a favorite hang-out for us who live in the community and region. It is one of the few 19th century markets left standing. Members of Congress shop at the market and tourists visit Eastern Market as one of D.C.'s distinctive must-see sites and experiences. The quicker the temporary market is up and running, the greater the prospect of the ‘new' Eastern Market we have been waiting for for a long time."
fire and toured the damage with other members of Congress just days later. She subsequently had staff notify EDA officials, who were receptive to Norton's proposal for assistance to help rebuild the market. They are awaiting an application from the city. EDA is a federal agency whose purpose is to generate jobs, help retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States. EDA assistance is available to urban and rural areas experiencing high unemployment, low income levels, or other severe economic distress. The Congresswoman believes that funding is available from still other federal sources, which she also is exploring.
"I am very pleased that Mayor Fenty is moving quickly to provide a way to resume full time market operations, especially for the many vendors who must have refrigeration for fresh beef, fish and poultry, the mainstay of the market," Norton said. As much as residents feel the loss of the market, we must remember first and foremost that it is the vendors who have lost everything."
A 30-year resident of Capitol Hill, Norton routinely visits Eastern Market on Saturdays to shop for fresh produce and meats, and other items distinctive to the unique market. The market is also a place where she can talk with constituents about their concerns and issues of the day. However, she said, "Eastern Market is much more than a favorite hang-out for us who live in the community and region. It is one of the few 19th century markets left standing. Members of Congress shop at the market and tourists visit Eastern Market as one of D.C.'s distinctive must-see sites and experiences. The quicker the temporary market is up and running, the greater the prospect of the ‘new' Eastern Market we have been waiting for for a long time."