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07/15/09

NARC Testifies at Senate Hearing on EDA Reauthorization

Click here to access the full NARC testimony as submitted by Commissioner James Kennedy, NARC Board Member and Past President.
Category: Community & Economic Development
Posted by: shannon

On Thursday, March 21, 2009, the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) testified at the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on “Oversight of the Economic Development Administration (EDA).” Commissioner James Kennedy, Board Member and Past President of NARC, Board Member of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) and President of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, represented NARC in describing the importance of EDA’s programs, funding and activities; the need for immediate reauthorization; SPC’s successes with EDA; and, how EDA can be revitalized to meet the growing needs of communities and regions.

“Regional planning organizations are important to our communities for their delivery of funding, programs, planning support and technical assistance -- especially during this time of economic crisis,” said Commissioner Kennedy. “In a time of a softening economy, declining federal and state funds, rising unemployment, and a clear need for substantial investments in the country’s infrastructure, we must revive the federal commitment to EDA’s core mission and bring about more comprehensive regional planning activities.”

Commissioner Kennedy participated in a witness panel with Sandra Walters, Acting Assistance Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, EDA; LaVern W. Phillips, President, Woodward Industrial Foundation; and, Leanne Mazer, Executive Director, Tri-County Council for Western Maryland.

“Based on my experiences as a local elected official, I believe the federal government should re-establish a strong role in urban and rural economic development that supports local and regional efforts, while providing sustained local and regional authority and increased funding to support innovation,” stated Commissioner Kennedy. “The EDA approach is a cost-effective, successful investment of federal resources, creating jobs and building revenue, and it must be reauthorized immediately to continue its good work. NARC looks forward to working with the Committee to move this effort forward.”
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