WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul S. Sarbanes (both D-MD) today announced that several key projects in the Baltimore region are slated to receive funding in the FY05 Omnibus Appropriations bill. This legislation has passed the House of Representatives and is expected to pass the Senate. It will then be sent to the President for his signature. The more than $310 billion omnibus spending bill completes the 9 remaining appropriations bills needed to fund the federal government through fiscal year 2005. To stay within the spending constraints demanded by the White House, all programs in the bill were cut by 0.80 percent.
“As a United States Senator, I work to put money in the federal checkbook that creates jobs and build communities. This final legislation is the culmination of a year’s worth of working with Maryland communities to identify places where a federal investment would be best used,” said Senator Mikulski. “These projects represent the best list of local, state and federal priorities. Maryland can count on me to keep standing up for the day-to-day needs of my constituents and the long-range needs of the nation.”
“We are bringing a bounty of federal funds to the State of Maryland that will aid our communities, our economy, our transportation network, and our environment; and thereby enhancing the quality of life and providing opportunities for people throughout the entire State,” added Senator Paul S. Sarbanes.
Senators Mikulski and Sarbanes worked together to secure funding for the following projects:
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
· $496,000 to St. Mary’s County to begin the Lexington Manor Northern Parcel Redevelopment Project. The project will improve housing conditions, reduce crime and create jobs by developing the area into a commercial and mixed-use development. This funding will go toward acquiring the necessary land and relocating residents.
· $192,000 to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital for Girl Scout Camp construction in Charles County.
· $192,000 to the Town of North Beach for the construction of a gym and multipurpose room at the Bayside Boys and Girls Club.
· $72,168 to the Enterprise Foundation for a feasibility study in Annapolis.
TRANSPORTATION
· $4.96 million for Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Initiative. Funds will be used to construct parking facilities in Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s Counties and acquisition of over-the-road coaches to provide service. Funds would also allow for intersection improvements at key locations along the MD corridor from Waldorf to the Branch Avenue Metro Station.
· $992,000 for St. Mary’s College Pedestrian Overpass. Funds will be used to construct a 130 foot pedestrian bridge over Route 5 to address pedestrian hazards for students and staff.
EDUCATION
· $248,000 for the Charles County Economic Development Commission to develop an Energetics Technology Center (ETC): a state-of-the-art research and development, training and learning center. This project will create jobs, improve education, foster local investment and provide a research and development facility for defense technology.
CHESAPEAKE BAY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
· $240,000 to St. Mary’s County for land acquisition and demolishment at the Lexington Manor Northern Parcel in Leonardtown.
The omnibus bill includes federal funding for the “State and Tribal Assistance Grants” (STAG) for special needs water and wastewater infrastructure projects. These grants are typically used for wastewater infrastructure improvements reduce the amount of nutrients entering waterways, and the associated health and environmental impacts. Maryland communities have received $3.5 million this year in STAG grants, including the following federal grants for Southern Maryland communities:
· $248,000 for Chesapeake Beach.
· $248,000 for Indian Head
Senator Mikulski serves on the Appropriations Committee and is the Senior Democrat on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. Senator Sarbanes serves on the Budget Committee.