Norton Hearing on Economic Development Administration, An Agency that has Assisted DC (2/25/2010)

Norton Hearing on Economic Development Administration, an Agency that has Assisted D.C.

February 25, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), chair, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, today, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m., will hold a hearing, "EDA: Lessons Learned from the Recovery Act and New Plans to Strengthen Economic Development," room 2167, Rayburn House Office Building, to gather information for reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce (EDA). Norton secured funds through EDA after the historic Eastern Market burned down, even though most EDA grants go to chronically distressed communities for economic development and adjustment, research and evaluation, global climate change mitigation, and trade adjustment through a variety of programs. Eastern Market is now historically restored and in operation. The hearing will examine how EDA used the $150 million it received from stimulus funds for projects across the nation and plans to strengthen economic development. "As a Member who represents a highly urbanized district, which received EDA-project funding to help reconstruct the historic Eastern Market, I know firsthand the importance of economic development, including the job benefits associated with strong, vibrant economic development programs," Norton said. "As of January 2010 the District of Columbia had an unemployment rate of 12.1 percent while the national rate was 9.7 percent. Many EDA areas have even more serious and more persistent unemployment."

Witnesses will include John Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, EDA; Charlie Dooley, County Executive, St. Louis County, International Economic Development Council; Larry Molnar, president, Education Association of University Centers; Jay Newcomb, Council President, Dorchester County Council; Michael Norton, executive director, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, National Association of Development Organizations; and Chris Masingill, Office of the Governor, Arkansas, testifying on behalf of the Delta Regional Authority.

The hearing will be webcast live at https://transportation.house.gov/.